The Columbia School Board has enacted significant changes affecting the district’s academic calendar and leadership structure. In a recent meeting, the board voted to extend the current school year to May 27, 2025, ensuring compliance with state funding requirements.
Additionally, the board approved a three-year contract for incoming Superintendent Jeff Klein, introducing revised terms to safeguard district finances.
Academic Calendar Extension
To meet Missouri’s educational standards and secure essential funding, the Columbia Public Schools (CPS) district has extended the school year by one day.
This decision ensures that CPS achieves the mandated minimum of 169 instructional days for the academic year. Failure to meet this requirement, as outlined in Missouri Senate Bill 727, would result in the district forfeiting approximately $750,000 in state funding, primarily allocated for teacher salaries.
The revised schedule designates May 23 and May 27 as half days, with the latter now serving as the final day of classes.
Furthermore, any additional closures due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, will necessitate extending the school year accordingly, as the district has opted to discontinue the use of Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) for the remainder of the year.
New Superintendent Contract Approval
The board also finalized the appointment of Jeff Klein as the new superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Klein’s contract spans three years, concluding on June 30, 2028, with an annual salary set at $255,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
Notably, the contract includes provisions for salary increases ranging from 1% to 6% in subsequent years, contingent upon performance evaluations conducted by the school board.
A significant modification in Klein’s contract is the revised severance clause. In the event of a separation agreement before the contract’s conclusion, the district is obligated to pay only 12 months of salary as severance.
This change aims to protect district finances and taxpayers, a response to the costly separation agreement with former Superintendent Brian Yearwood, which amounted to over $667,000.
Attendance Data Update
During the meeting, Chief Equity Officer Carla London presented an update on student attendance. The data indicates a slight decline, with 79.7% of students attending school at least 90% of the time, compared to over 80% in the previous year. The district aims to increase this figure to 90% and is implementing strategies to achieve this goal, including:
- Parental Engagement: Encouraging parents to prioritize consistent attendance.
- Community Collaboration: Urging local businesses to avoid scheduling students during school hours or assigning late-night shifts that could impact attendance.
The Columbia School Board’s recent decisions reflect a commitment to maintaining educational standards, ensuring financial responsibility, and enhancing student engagement.
By extending the academic calendar, the district secures vital funding that directly supports teacher salaries and educational resources.
The appointment of Jeff Klein as superintendent, under a contract designed to protect district finances, marks a strategic move towards stable and effective leadership.
Additionally, addressing attendance challenges underscores the district’s dedication to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all students.