93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Columbia Public Schools (CPS) patrons will be casting ballots in April on an $80-million no-tax increase bond issue.
Columbia school board member Blake Willoughby says if voters approve the bond issue, $40-million would be issued this year and another $40-million in 2024.
“We’re looking at building two new elementary schools with this money. We’re looking at purchasing land for potentially building another high school,” Willoughby says.
Mr. Willougby spoke on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Columbia.” He also says Columbia Area Career Center (CACC) improvements are a key part of the bond issue. He recently visited a career center in the Kansas City area.
“It’s wonderful to see what a re-imagining of a 21st century career center allows for when it comes to community being able to see the wonderful work our students are doing,” says Willoughby.
He notes CPS’ career center is an older facility.
The district continues to grow: CPS is now Missouri’s fifth-largest district. Student enrollment has increased by more than 1,500 in the past decade, to about 18,500 students today.
