Columbia school board discusses overcrowding, new schools

The Columbia school board met Monday night to discuss three significant topics.

Board members discussed updating boundary lines to deal with overcrowding at Mill Creek Elementary School.

The school is the city’s largest elementary school and officials want to cut enrollment. This year, 865 students are enrolled at the school. Just six years ago, the school registered 762 students.

Paxton Keeley Elementary is the school with the second-highest enrollment and Mill Creek exceeds it by more than 180 students.

The school board also talked about a possible bond and levy issue for next April.

The $50 million bond and tax levy increase would likely fund a new elementary school and technology upgrades.

Members discussed potential names for the new elementary school set to open in northeast Columbia, adjacent to Battle High School.

The board’s Naming Committee also has to name three other facilities in the district. Residents can submit ideas through Nov. 22.