Plans to create and implement a special services task force will be shared at the Columbia School Board’s regular meeting Monday.
The task force will focus on improving the parent and family experience in special education services.
The idea for the task force was suggested during the board’s retreat in June. Board member April Ferrao said it would give families of special education students a more direct way to share concerns and suggestions with the board.
The task force will consist of 19 parents of children with an individualized education plan or a 504 plan. Suggestions made by the task force will be shared with the board and district administration for consideration.
The task force will meet throughout the 2024-25 school year. The first meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Aslin Administration building, 1818 W. Worley St. All meetings will be open to the public.
Counseling program evaluation
An evaluation of counseling programs across the district will be presented by Jeff Klein, the district’s chief academic officer.
Klein will highlight the progress and goals of the district’s counseling programs, including decreasing behavioral issues, increasing attendance and using data to better serve students.
The presentation will also identify areas to improve, including the need to expand college and career readiness services. One suggestion listed in the presentation is adding college and career counselors to Hickman and Rock Bridge high schools.
Refunding bonds
The board will vote on a go-to-market resolution to sell $41.5 million of general obligation refunding bonds.
The goal of this resolution is to refinance a portion of the district’s 2014 and 2015 general obligation bonds.
The sale is estimated to provide about $2.8 million in interest savings and is one of the first steps in the district’s broader plan to achieve interest savings.
Compensation and classification consultant
The board will vote on a bid award and agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services Inc. The consulting service would work to improve the compensation structure for district administration.
In its request for bids, the district said it currently has unique compensation systems for directors, assistant superintendents, chiefs and other central office salaried staff. It said compensation for these groups suffers from misalignment and wage compression.
If the agreement is approved, the firm would analyze the district’s current compensation structure and provide recommendations to address wage disparities and align compensation systems.
Land sale
The board will vote on whether to approve an escrow agreement to sell two parcels of land at New Haven Elementary School to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
The sale would allow for expansion of the highway near New Haven. The district would receive $177,400 from the sale of both parcels.
Special recognition
The board will recognize students and staff early in the meeting.
- Sydney Bliss, a student from Rock Bridge High School, will be recognized for winning the 2024 SkillsUSA Baking and Pastry Arts national contest for high school students.
- Anna Ferguson and Vernell Holt, students from Battle High School, will be recognized for winning track and field state championships.
- Renee Burton will be recognized for winning the EduStaff 2024 Missouri substitute teacher of the year award.
- Danielle Johnson, head coach of the district’s speech and debate district, will be recognized for receiving a District Leader Commendation award from the National Speech and Debate Association.
How to watch
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Aslin Administration Building, 1818 W. Worley St. A livestream is available on CPS-TV, which can be viewed on the districts website and through Mediacom, Spectrum, Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV.