Columbia Public Schools to consider multiple policy, pay and program changes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools leaders could approve a new salary package for Superintendent Jeff Klein while also renewing a program that brings international teachers into district classrooms at Monday night's meeting.
The school district is seeking approval to renew an agreement with BVD Cultural Exchange, LLC, a company that helps sponsor international teachers through federal visa programs.
The proposal comes as federal immigration policies involving foreign workers continue to draw attention nationwide.
Last year, the federal government added a major new cost for some employers using the H-1B visa program to hire foreign workers. Beginning in September 2025, certain H-1B applications became subject to an additional $100,000 payment under a presidential proclamation.
The policy impacts businesses, schools and organizations that rely on international workers.
The agreement allows teachers from other countries to work in Columbia schools through the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Cultural Exchange Teacher Program and H1B-E3 visa programs while gaining professional and cultural experience in the United States.
If approved, the renewed contract would run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
In recent weeks, the University of Missouri faced criticism over job postings seeking foreign professionals.
At Monday's meeting the school board will also discuss the pay increase for Klein.
According to board documents, Klein would receive a 6% salary increase for the 2026-27 school year, raising his salary from $255,000 to $270,300.
Klein signed a three-year contract in March 2025 following the district’s separation from former superintendent Brian Yearwood.
In addition to the contract renewal and salary proposal, the board is also expected to consider wording changes to the district’s bullying policy.
Under the proposed changes, the term “hazing” has been removed from the handbook. The revisions also eliminate the requirement for school employees to submit a written report through the district’s online bullying reporting form if reported by students and parents.
The board supports a policy requiring all district employees, substitutes, contractors, and volunteers to report any bullying incidents as soon as possible, or no later than two school days after becoming aware of them.
The board has also removed the “Retaliation” section, which previously stated that no one would face punishment for reporting bullying, hazing, cyberbullying, or for participating in any related investigation or hearing. It also previously outlined that any student or staff member who retaliated against someone for reporting would face disciplinary action.
In addition, changes were made to the “Consequences” section. The previous language stated that even in cases where the district cannot formally discipline a student for bullying, school officials would still take steps to support the victim. This included contacting parents, reinforcing that the behavior is not allowed on school grounds or at school events and providing support through district staff. It also referenced the possibility of involving law enforcement or reporting inappropriate online activity to social media companies when necessary.
Under the “Training and Education” section, language outlining how counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other staff would support students who are victims of bullying has also been removed. That section previously detailed efforts to help students build self-esteem, develop coping and social skills, and learn non-violent ways to respond to bullying.
The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the district headquarters.
