CPS receiving $13-million in federal funding for air quality improvements and other building upgrades

Columbia’s school board is set to vote Monday evening on the district’s coronavirus plan for the 2022-2023 school year.

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood and other district officials believe the best opportunity for students to learn is in-person with their teachers in CPS buildings. If there are COVID disruptions, CPS says its priorities will include providing environments that are as safe as possible for students and staff, and to provide high-quality education for students.

CPS custodians plan to clean frequently-touched surfaces and objects like water fountains and doorknobs with district-supplied cleaning and disinfectant products.

CPS plans to maintain adequate supplies of soap, paper towels, hand sanitizers and other items. The district also plans to spend $13-million in federal funding it received for air quality improvements and upgrades to CPS facilities.

The seven-page plan calls for all CPS students and staff to practice handwashing and respiratory etiquette to keep from getting and spreading infectious illnesses. That includes covering coughs and sneezes.