Education

Keep up with Columbia public schools

Below the overview of the district are links to KBIA's coverage of Columbia 93 district schools, updated as more stories are published. Columbia 93 at a glanceThe Columbia 93 school district currently includes 32 different schools. In 2014, the district had a k-12 enrollment of 17,204 students, which is 2% of the total k-12 enrollment for the state. Enrollment has been slightly increasing in recent years, 2% since 2011. While a small percent, that amounts to almost 400 more students. There have also been major re-drawing of attendance areas with the addition of Battle High School. Middle school attendance areas shape high school boundaries 00000178-cc7d-da8b-a77d-ec7d2f9e0000The changes have affected all schools in the district, including causing high school attendance to increase and overcrowding at one middle school at least.

Columbia schools under heightened security Friday amid rumors

KBIA | By Ryan Famuliner

Published December 20, 2012 at 1:50 PM CST

Superintendent Chris Belcher says Columbia Public Schools will be under heightened security tomorrow following rumors and chatter about a possible planned violent act at one of the district’s schools. In a letter to parents today, Belcher said the district and the Columbia Police Department have investigated the rumors and can’t find any credible evidence.

View the letter to parents (.pdf)

Nevertheless, the district will take steps to ensure security at its schools. In the letter, Belcher says all high school campuses will be closed campuses – meaning students can only leave school for academic or other designated reason – like employment or parental permission. He also says there will be increased police patrols around the buildings, students may be searched if necessary, and there will be controlled access through specific doors of each school.

Belcher calls these rumors “terroristic threats,” that are punishable, and asks for help in ending disruption of learning. In the letter, he also asked parents to call his office or the office of a school principal if they have any questions.