Columbia’s School Board

Columbia’s school board to vote on salary schedules; three board members to leave office

April 10, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia School Board vice president Chris Horn lost his re-election bid (photo courtesy of the CPS website)

Columbia’s school board is set to vote this evening on a proposal to approve salary schedules for the 2023-24 school year.

The plan from Columbia Public Schools (CPS) increases base compensation by an average of 2.6 percent across all employee groups. When steps are added in for experience, the average increase is 4.5 percent. CPS’ 14-page report indicates the average Columbia Public Schools teacher earns $58,800, while the average principal earns $101,780. The average classroom aide earns $21,945. The 14-page reports lists numerous job categories.

Under the plan, the district will continue to pay 100 percent of the cost of medical, dental and life insurance for full-time employees. The district has previously planned for the $7.4 million dollar budget increase, with the new proposal that will be voted on tonight. That meeting begins at approximately 6:45.

Meantime, Columbia’s school board will say goodbye to three board members at tonight’s meeting, and three newly-elected members will be sworn-in.

The board’s reorganization meeting will begin at 6:30 at the Aslin building. CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood will recognize board president David Seamon and two other members who are leaving the board: vice president Chris Horn and member Helen Wade. Seamon and Wade did not seek re-election, and Mr. Horn lost his bid for re-election. The three candidates supported by Columbia’s local NEA teachers union were elected last week. They are April Ferrao, Paul Harper and John Lyman. Ms. Ferrao, Mr. Harper and Mr. Lyman will be sworn-in.

After tonight’s ceremony, there will be no African-Americans on Columbia’s school board. Mr. Seamon and Mr. Horn are leaving office.

CPS attendance and math scores to be highlighted by superintendent tonight

March 13, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (left) and CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood discuss special session issues at the Columbia’s Farmers Market on August 25, 2022 (file photo courtesy of the governor’s Flickr page)

Columbia’s school board will hear a report this evening from the superintendent about the recent state annual performance review.

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood tells 939 the Eagle that attendance issues contributed to CPS scoring 70 percent on the review. Dr. Yearwood says attendance is down since COVID and emphasizes that the district is increasing visits to homes and is also making more phone calls. He says CPS is also doing celebrations for students who attend class at least 90 percent of the time.

Dr. Yearwood will also address math in tonight’s report. He says that nationally, school districts have been impacted in math scores after COVID. CPS is expanding its tutoring opportunities in math.

Dr. Yearwood will also highlight positives in the report. He says the number of CPS students receiving advanced credit is high and that the district received nearly all available points in the area of continuous improvement, which is a newly-designated area.

UPDATE: Former lawmaker Basye files lawsuit against Columbia school board

January 19, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Then-State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on April 21, 2021 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The courts will decide whether or not former Missouri House Elementary and Secondary Education committee chair Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) is a candidate for Columbia’s school board.

The Rocheport Republican has filed a 16-page lawsuit against CPS and the school board, alleging the board violated state law when they would not accept his candidate filing on December 27. The lawsuit was filed electronically last night by Basye attorney Brent Haden.

Basye tried to file on December 27, which was the final day of filing under state law. However, CPS’ Aslin building was closed that day due to it being a district holiday. CPS says filing was available by appointment, but that appointments had to be made by December 22.

Basye’s lawsuit alleges CPS violated state law and district policy with their decision. His lawsuit notes December 27 was not a Missouri nor a federal holiday, and they cite the language from state law: “the closing filing date shall be 5 pm, the fourteenth Tuesday prior to the election.”

Columbia’s school board to discuss April board ballot tonight

January 9, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Then-State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 2, 2022 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

It looks like former State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) will not appear on the April ballot for Columbia’s school board, barring court intervention.

The board meets tonight at 6:30 and is scheduled to approve the sample ballot for the April 4 election. Seven names are on the sample ballot, listed in the board packet. They are, in order, Paul Harper, John Potter, Christopher Horn, Dean Peter Klempke, James Edward Gordon, John Lyman and April Ferrao.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) has told 939 the Eagle that a CPS policy cannot conflict with state law. Ashcroft also says he has full confidence that Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon (D) will make sure that everyone who legally filed for office will be listed on the April ballot. Lennon tells 939 the Eagle that while she appreciates Secretary Ashcroft’s confidence and support, the filing documents and certification process is ultimately CPS’ responsibility under the law.

“My office’s authority is administrative as far as filing goes- we accept certifications from school districts, municipalities and local political subdivisions for the April election until January 24th,” Lennon says.

Basye told 939 the Eagle that he met with an attorney in late December to discuss his options if he’s kept off the April ballot.

Extensive renovations at Columbia middle school to be done in 2023

September 21, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia’s Jefferson middle school is currently undergoing major roof, window and interior work (2022 file photo courtesy of CPS’ Michelle Baumstark)

Look for major renovations at Columbia’s Jefferson middle school to be finished by August 2023.

The 112-year-old school is undergoing major roof, window and interior work. Jefferson Middle School was built in 1910 and its mission is to “develop curious minds into compassionate, connected citizens … one student at a time.”

The school is located on Rogers, near Douglass park. Columbia’s school board received an update on the project at this month’s meeting.