26 09 28 Board Meeting

The Columbia School District No. 400 board meeting was held September 30, 2026. The board discussed district finances and enrollment, reporting May fund balances of approximately $2.6 million in the general fund, $324,000 in capital projects, and $298,000 in debt service; updated year-end financial statements were expected at a later meeting. The district is purchasing a functioning used bus from a neighboring district, with an approximately $15,000 near-term impact discussed, and expects a larger capital-fund expenditure later for a new bus. The board also confirmed that the Sodexo food-service contract had been approved through the consent agenda. Personnel recommendations, including coaching hires and a temporary technology intern position described as minimal cost and subject to reevaluation, were approved by motion.

Facilities work completed or reported included replacement of aging middle-school piping, a grant-supported bathroom remodel, floor restoration, and parking-lot striping. Staff described taking on some grounds and maintenance work in-house to reduce outside-service costs; robotic field-painting and floor-cleaning equipment were mentioned as possibilities for future exploration, not current purchases. The board reviewed ten policy changes at a first reading, described as required by state-law changes, with a second reading planned for the next month. Student representatives also reported that revised cell-phone procedures at the high school appeared to improve focus and classroom enforcement.