May 12, 2008

School board still struggles with cuts

By JANE KELLOGG and REGAN PALMER Math and literacy coaches, beginner and veteran teachers, outreach counselors, two principals and parents all offered perspectives on what they think is vital to the success of Columbia students.

May 11, 2008

School board to vote on proposed boundary lines for new school

By ERIN ASH The Columbia Public School board will meet Monday to vote on proposed boundary lines for the new elementary school and to further discuss the 2008-09 budget.

May 07, 2008

New School Board vice president thinks a more positive sell would help

By AUDREY SPALDING Steve Calloway sat down recently to answer questions about the voters’ rejection of the levy increase and about life on the new Columbia School Board.

May 06, 2008

Partners In Health cofounders speak to Rock Bridge High School class

By KATE GENELLIE Paul Farmer and Ophelia Dahl, co-founders of Partners In Health, spoke to a Rock Bridge classroom on Tuesday.

Benton Elementary K Club works to improve school grounds

By LAUREN FREDMAN and DANIELLE KARSTENS Members of the Benton Elementary School K Club began working on additions to the school’s outdoor classroom Tuesday night.

May 05, 2008

School superintendent to take a voluntary pay cut

By JANE KELLOGG Phyllis Chase, superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, said she will voluntarily cut her $200,340 salary, but has not said what the amount of that cut will be. The school board has been searching for ways to cut $10 million from the 2008-09 budget.

May 01, 2008

Gas leak prompts evacuation of Columbia Public Schools' administration building

By RYAN NEAL After construction crews hit a gas line, the Columbia Fire Department responded and employees were evacuated for fewer than 30 minutes.

April 30, 2008

Commissions seek public input for high school site plan

By Sarah Palmer Columbia and Boone County’s joint planning and zoning commissions will hold a public meeting about the site and want a plan to help guide the project’s growth.

April 27, 2008

A new place for play at Parkade: 'More jungle gyms,' 'new monkey bars,' 'a football field'

By MICHAEL NUÑEZ with photos by Alex Lewis Students at Parkade Elementary School speak their minds about what kind of play equipment they would like with the new grant approved by the City Council.

April 24, 2008

House: Pair teacher councils and districts on contract talks

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS It's an attempt to set up a structure for collective bargaining.

April 23, 2008

Internet safety night advises parents to stay involved

By ERIN VAN SICKLE Panelists gave parents advice on protecting their children from dangers on the Internet at the forum hosted by Columbia Public Schools.

Final Speak Your Mind forum addresses Internet issues

By GREG WASSERMAN Hickman High School students focused their questions on the issues of free and anonymous speech on the Internet.

Latin classes celebrate with Toga Day

By ANNE HAUSER Columbia Independent School students studying Latin prepared skits and donned togas for the 10th annual celebration of Toga Day.

School board to discuss budget at Thursday night meeting

By Nora Barak The Columbia School Board will continue discussion of the 2008-09 budget Thursday. The public may comment.

April 17, 2008

Room 100 down to no mold

By KATE GENELLIE The classroom in Benton Elementary School, previously found to have elevated levels of mold, now has no mold, and the school's principal said the room should open again by May 1.

April 15, 2008

Mold findings force kindergarten class to relocate

By KATE GENELLIE A kindergarten classroom in Benton Elementary School found mold last week. The students have been moved temporarily as the school cleans out the contaminated room.

Board cuts two work days from teacher contracts

By ERIN ASH The Columbia Public School Board voted on contracts at its meeting Monday night, causing starting teacher salary to drop from $34,353 to $33,989.

Parent asks School Board for permission to move children

By AUDREY SPALDING AND KATE GENELLIE Heather Sheridan, who has two sons at Benton Elementary, is concerned about the school’s mold problem. Asthma and nosebleeds have been attributed to the mold.

April 13, 2008

School Board to decide if additional budget cuts are necessary

By JANE KELLOGG Newly-elected school board member Ines Segert said she does not believe any additional cuts need to be made; the administration has said otherwise.

April 04, 2008

Letter: Approving tax levy will help decrease ignorance and want

By Michael Harmata, Columbia Supporting public education will help us deal with current, future problems.