District to announce at 5 whether schools will close Wednesday

A decision will be made at 5 p.m. today on whether public schools will be canceled or dismissed early on Wednesday due to heat, Superintendent Phyllis Chase said at a start-of-school news conference this morning.

First-day enrollment for Columbia Pubic Schools is estimated to be about 16,800 students, Assistant Superintendent Lynn Barnett said.

Columbia police Sgt. Timothy Moriarity reminded drivers to pay attention to 20 mph school zones, especially in the early morning and mid-afternoons.

The gathering at the district’s administration building, 1818 W. Worley St., was held to mark the first day of school and had a decidedly upbeat tone.

“We want everyone to have a good day and come back tomorrow,” Barnett said.