Outgoing Missouri House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee chairman Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) says he’s prepared to take legal action, if Columbia’s school board doesn’t certify his name for the April school board ballot. Chairman Basye joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” Tuesday was the final day to file for Columbia’s April school board race, but Basye says CPS authorities wouldn’t let him inside the Aslin building to complete paperwork. He contacted Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office and Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office, and ended up filing at Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon’s office. CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark tells 939 the Eagle that December 27 is a district holiday and that Aslin offices were closed. She says filing was available by appointment and that appointments had to be made by December 22. Chairman Basye says that’s a violation of state law, and that candidates should be able to file on the final day without an appointment. Ms. Baumstark says filing isn’t certification, and that candidates must be certified and the board must authorize a notice of election and sample ballot before candidates are officially placed on a ballot. Baumstark says the board must do this by the end of January as required by law. She says the board plans to do this at their January 9 meeting:
Wednesday ribbon-cutting set for $6.2 million school addition project in fast-growing Columbia
You’re invited to attend this (Wednesday) afternoon’s dedication of the $6.2 million Rock Bridge elementary school building addition in Columbia.
The ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 4:30 at the school on South Highway 163.
Seven traditional classrooms were added during the project, and two classrooms were renovated. Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood tells 939 the Eagle that CPS’ enrollment has been exploding.
“So this addition will allow us to comfortably seat several hundred of our scholars in an environment that will not be crowded and will allow the learning environment to be just that. One in which they are more about their learning and not about where am I going to sit or do I have enough materials or what’s happening here,” Dr. Yearwood says.
CPS, which is now Missouri’s fifth-largest school district, recorded its highest first-day enrollment count ever last week. CPS’ Michelle Baumstark says there’s at least an increase of 669 students compared to last year’s enrollment, which was about 18,500. CPS’ current enrollment is now 19,196. The district’s enrollment has skyrocketed by about 2,000 in the last 11 years.
The Rock Bridge elementary addition involves more than 16,000 square feet, and a music classroom has also been added. It also includes kitchen and restroom renovations and the addition of a multipurpose PE and music room.
CPS voters approved the project as part of a 2018 districtwide bond issue. Superintendent Dr. Yearwood says CPS has fulfilled a promise to voters.
“We said through our bonds this is what’s going to happen and guess what, it’s here. So the promise has been fulfilled and the community trusted us with voting to allow this to happen through our bonds, and we’re very grateful for that community support,” says Yearwood.
Today’s ceremony starts at 4:30 with a ribbon-cutting with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
If you’re interested in touring the building today after the ribbon-cutting, you can RSVP by calling CPS at (573) 214-3960.
CPS’ enrollment has increased by more than 2,000 in past 11 years
Fast-growing Columbia Public Schools (CPS) has recorded its highest first-day enrollment count ever. Tuesday was the first day of classes at CPS, and district spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark says there’s an increase of 669 students compared to last year’s enrollment, which was about 18,500. CPS’ total first-day enrollment is 19,196, the district’s highest first-day enrollment count …
All CPS classroom teaching slots are filled; Columbia Public Schools starting classes today
About 9,500 Columbia Public School (CPS) students are riding buses to school this (Tuesday) morning. It’s CPS’ first day of classes. District spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark is urging you to slow down around schools and to pay attention to school zones. Baumstark also reminds you to stop when the school bus stop arm is out. Baumstark …
CPS, Missouri’s fifth-largest district, is expected to grow
Classes for Columbia Public Schools (CPS) begin tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, and CPS’ Michelle Baumstark says enrollment will likely increase over last year. Baumstark tells 939 the Eagle that CPS schools and district offices have been very busy for weeks with enrollments and registration. Last year’s enrollment was 18,527. CPS is now Missouri’s fifth-largest school district. …