SchoolsSunday, November 8
Columbia's school board will consider a $260 million bond issue for the April ballot on Monday
The Daily Columbia team
If you care about Columbia's school buildings, Monday matters. The Columbia School Board will consider Monday whether a $260 million bond issue goes on the April ballot. It would help fund the first five years of Columbia Public Schools' 10-year facilities plan.
The $260 million plan would ask voters twice; the $150 million plan, three times
| Option | First vote | Later votes |
|---|---|---|
| $260 million (recommended) | $260 million | $110 million in 2033 |
| $150 million (rejected) | $150 million | $110 million in 2030 and 2033 |
Source: KOMU 8
The Finance Committee unanimously recommended the $260 million option on Nov. 2 over a $150 million one. Chief Financial Officer Heather McArthur said both ask voters for the same amount over the same period, just in different elections. Committee Chair Paul Wagner called the choice "reading the tea leaves."
- Board vote: Monday, Nov. 9
- Why bonds: Missouri gives no state formula funding for capital projects
- Both versions cover the same renovations and updates
The $260 million bond would go from committee to voters over seven years
- Nov. 2Finance Committee unanimously recommends the $260 million bond issue.
- Nov. 9School board will vote on the recommendation.
- AprilVoters would see the bond issue on the ballot if the board agrees.
- 2033District would ask voters for another $110 million.
Sources: Columbia Missourian, KOMU 8
The projects aren't set in stone yet. The Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee has been working with students, teachers and staff, and holding community open houses to hear what changes the public wants.
Sources: Columbia Missourian, KOMU 8