Columbia Public Schools considers delaying start date amid COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools is considering delaying the start date for the upcoming school year until after Labor Day.

District Superintendent Peter Stiepleman confirmed that the discussions started Monday during a staff and employee meeting.

Stiepleman said, "The topic of starting after Labor Day was discussed and it is being strongly considered. The Board of Education will discuss this and other possible instructional models in depth tomorrow."

The school board is holding a special session Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. to discuss re-opening schools.

District spokeswoman, Michelle Baumstark said CMNEA, Columbia Missouri National Education Association, recommended moving the start date in a plan released several days ago.

Baumstark adds that no decisions will be made at the Tuesday meeting but discussions will happen as the district continues to monitor the virus.

According to the district's academic calendar, CPS students are scheduled to start on August 25th.