Columbia Public Schools continue to prepare for 2026 school opening

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

The Columbia Public Schools Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee is set to discuss the "attendance area process timeline" on Wednesday night.

The meeting agenda states Karen Jackson, of Woolpert, Inc., will present an update on the attendance area process timeline.

In April 2022, Columbia voters passed an $80 million bond issue which included funding for two new elementary schools, renovations to the Columbia Area Career Center, an addition to Battle Elementary School and other capital improvements.

Chief Operations Officer of Columbia Public Schools Randall Gooch told ABC 17 News in November that additions to Russell Boulevard and Battle elementary schools are on track to open at the start of the 2025-26 school year, while Southwest Elementary School will open the following year.

Gooch said in November that the process of deciding where students will attend school will take months to finalize. 

A consultant presented ideas to the school board in December, while focus groups consisting of parents, teachers and students were held in January and February. 

Gooch also told ABC 17 News in November that the process of redistricting students will occur in three phases. 

Phase 1 will begin with the addition to Russell Elementary, Phase 2 will occur with the completion of additions at Battle Elementary and Phase 3 will occur with the completion of Southwest Elementary School. The goal is to limit students from having to move more than once during all three phases.

Architect Robyn O’Roark told ABC 17 News at an open house in September that the initial design of Southwest Elementary is a two-story school with common areas, and a gymnasium that can serve as a storm shelter. O'Roark said the district wanted the new elementary school on Sinclair Road because of the area's growth.

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