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The exterior of south Columbia's John Warner Middle School, which is CPS' 7th middle school (2021 file photo courtesy of CPS' Michelle Baumstark)

Columbia’s school board extends mask requirement; Missouri lawmakers discuss CRT

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) students and staff will continue to be required to wear masks indoors and on buses.  Columbia’s school board voted to extend the district’s indoor masking requirement, at Monday night’s meeting.

Missouri health officials have recently adopted the CDC’s recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine. CPS’ Michell Baumstark tells 939 the Eagle that the district will offer optional COVID vaccine clinics for students later this month.

The issue of critical race theory (CRT) also was discussed at Monday night’s meeting, by several Missouri lawmakers who addressed the board.

Missouri’s House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee chairman alleges that CRT is being taught in CPS. State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) was one of three state lawmakers who addressed the school board. State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) testified as well, saying CRT is not being taught at CPS.

ABC-17 News reports there were five Columbia Police officers at the school board meeting, and one person had to be escorted out when CRT was being discussed.

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