How CPS is organized: a guide

Ella Wampler, Staff Writer • April 3, 2024

When it comes to the inner workings of the Columbia Public Schools (CPS) school district, the average concerned citizen may struggle to understand the hierarchy and distribution of powers within the district....

CPS struggles with staffing shortages

Jenna Lin and Ryan Tunks • December 18, 2023

Staffing shortages are a prevalent issue school districts are facing across the nation, and Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is no exception. The district has been struggling with a significant surge in...

Board of education votes to keep mask mandate in place

Zay Yontz and Julia Kim • November 11, 2021

The Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education voted 7-0 to keep the current COVID-19 mask mandate in effect Nov. 8. Several parents and community members came to the Aslin Building to voice their opinions on surrounding mask ordinances during the half hour designated to public comments on the subject. John Potter, a parent with students in the CPS district, came in front of the board members to talk about his concerns and beliefs of continued mask requirements for families. 

Niewoehner, CPS teachers express hesitance with in-person return

Multiple Authors • November 13, 2020

The CPS Board of Education voted to keep all students virtual on Nov. 9 after hearing public comment from teachers and students

CPS free meal program extended to June 30

Allison Kim • November 9, 2020

With the return of elementary school students to in-person school, Columbia Public Schools (CPS) sent out an update regarding the free meals provided to all students through an email on Oct. 20. CPS extended the program, which had previously been in effect until Dec. 31, to last through the rest of the 2020-2021 school year.

Students protest virtual learning in RBHS South parking lot

Multiple Authors • October 21, 2020

Parents and students gather in front of RBHS to protest virtual learning.

District initiates CPS Prime Delivery Service

Shruti Gautam • October 11, 2020

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) started a new initiative to connect schools with students called CPS Prime Delivery Service on Sept. 28.

To teach students healthy practices, CPS must have mental health course

Anna Xu • April 14, 2020

As the world moves toward efficiency and people build bonds with computers rather than their fellow humans, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to be truly gratified and happy. Educators often overlook mental health curriculum, but while health in the form of exercise and nutrition exist, mental health is equally if not more valuable. Society needs to change, and it starts with teaching. 

Day 20

Bailey Stover • April 6, 2020

Senior Bailey Stover spent her 20th day of social distancing adjusting to her new reality after receiving an email about CPS' updated grading policy.

CPS changes to Pass/No Credit grading system

Anna Xu • April 6, 2020

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) alerted students and families details of the overarching grading plan for the rest of the semester today, April 6, in an email from CPS Communications Director Michelle Baumstark.

Day 18

Snowy Li • April 4, 2020

I headed straight for my laptop — today is a huge workday, and I realized I had little time left to lose: the three day grace period Columbia Public Schools has implemented for students from April 1 to April 3 in the hopes of promoting health over schoolwork for the moment has merely pushed my deadlines for class assignments closer together. I was determined then, despite my earlier laziness, to get my tasks done so I can relax later.

First day of online learning sparks discussions of academic equality

Amira McKee • March 31, 2020

In accordance with Boone County Health Department’s social distancing guidelines, Columbia Public School (CPS) students began their first day of online learning using virtual study and communication methods March 30. Originally, CPS closed its schools March 18 with the plan of resuming session April 13. After the city of Columbia issued a stay-at-home order from March 24 until April 24, however, CPS extended its recess until April 27. CPS Community Relations Director Michelle Baumstark said the district still plans to reopen April 27, despite President Donald Trump’s March 29 announcement that social distancing guidelines should remain until at least April 30.