Legislative committee questions Columbia Public Schools leaders over COVID-19 response

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri General Assembly's Joint Committee on Education heard testimony from parents upset with Columbia Public Schools' response to the coronavirus pandemic.

One out of several Columbia Public Schools parents who testified today, Kristin Lind got emotional when talking about how her son is falling behind and not getting the education he needs.

"I'm not going to cry, I am too mad to cry," she said.

Several middle and high school students spoke out about what they have been experiencing in online school. Rylan Wagner, a middle school student at Gentry Middle School said he has ADHD and is struggling to focus during class.

"I don't fee comfortable asking questions or asking my teacher to help me get caught up like I would normally in-person," he said. "I usually know my classmates but I don't know anyone in my zooms so I don't feel comfortable talking out."

Committee members also grilled district officials in a sometimes contentious meeting that lasted several hours. The panel heard testimony from CPS Superintendent Peter Stiepleman and school board members Chris Horn and Helen Wade.

Watch a replay of the hearing in the player below.

Local officials said they are disappointed the committee did not social distance or all wear masks during the five hour meeting.

The hearing took place one day after the Columbia Board of Education met to discuss the possible return to in-person learning for middle and high school students.

CPS elementary schools began learning in-person on Monday.

St. Louis Public Schools pre-K through second grade students began learning in-person Monday and grades 3-6 will return next week. Kansas City Public Schools has set a tentative plan to bring all students back to in-person learning on Nov. 9, if not sooner. Springfield Public Schools has released its plan to bring most students to the classroom in November.