The Columbia Board of Education voted unanimously last night to place two proposals on the April ballot for voters.
Columbia Public Schools spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said the proposals include a $30 million bond proposal and a $0.65 tax levy increase. Baumstark said the funds from the bond proposal will be used to address Columbia’s growing community.
“The funds would be used to design and buy land for a new middle school, most likely in south Columbia”, Baumstark said. “It would also be used to add on to two existing elementary schools.”
Baumstark said the $0.65 tax levy increase will be used to eliminate the school district’s deficit spending.
Columbia School Board Vice President said the money from the levy tax will break down to include $14 million annually for the school district.
“About $6.6 million of that immediately is for riding the ship, and stopping the deficit spend that is currently happening within the Columbia Public Schools”, Sessions said. “Another $6 million of that is for making sure that we have highly qualified teachers in the district and that we’re a competitive district.”
Sessions said the remainder of the money will be spent on improving student support services in the district.