CPS superintendent talks changes coming to district this year

School starts in two weeks for Columbia students.

With the new year comes a few changes for students and the district.

A new bus company, Student Transportation of America. will join the district this year.

The company has just completed renovations to the transportation building on Clark Lane.

ABC 17 News sat down with Columbia Superintendent Dr. Peter Stiepleman Tuesday.

He said the company has promised parents there will always be someone to answer phone calls.

“In the past, there was a phone number parents could call and they would typically just get a busy signal or just ring and get an answering machine. They have assured us they will always have somebody answering phones. So I think that will already be a positive change for families who say, ‘my bus didn’t pick me up, or where’s my kid,’ or whatever. So they will always have personal attention,” said Stiepleman.

Dr. Stiepleman adds the district will also start meeting this fall to discuss growth in Columbia schools.

Officials will try to gauge the public’s interest before adding a bond or levy issue to April’s ballot to pay for a new school.