Columbia School Board asks public to comment on budget plans Thursday

COLUMBIA — The public is invited to comment on two proposed budget plans before the Columbia School Board at a pair of meetings Thursday.

The meetings are at 7:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m., both in the administration building of the Columbia Public School District, 1818 W. Worley St.

The board is nearing a deadline to approve the budget for the coming school year. At particular issue is money left over from this school year, which under one plan can be used for a one-time pay increase for district employees.

The board is making an effort to more obviously seek public input.

“(The one-time money) gives me a little bit of heartburn,” board Vice President Steve Calloway said. “We need to hear from the public this year. Otherwise I am really reluctant to do this.”