CPS to present new $20 million bond issue outline

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools leaders plan to present Monday night a $20 million bond issue plan that includes projects to accommodate continued student population growth and millions of dollars in renovations to an aging middle school.

The board of education voted in December to put the issue on the April ballot.

District officials say issuing the bonds would keep the district's debt service levy at the current 97 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The money, if approved by voters, will go toward continued growth, athletic facility improvements, building maintenance, accessibility, building renovations and safety and security needs, CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said.  

Baumstark said $7.5 million of the bond money will go toward continued growth, $6 million toward renovations at Jefferson Middle School, $3.3 million toward high school athletic field projects, $2 million toward facility maintenance, $1 million toward safety and security and $200,000 toward bond fees.

Over the next eight years, CPS is also considering asking for additional bond requests, including $60 million in 2022, $30 million in 2026 and $75 million in 2028. If approved, that money would also go toward continued growth of the school district.

The board meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Aslin Administration Building on Worley Street.

Stay with ABC 17 News for more information on this developing story.