Columbia County School Board Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Columbia County School Board meeting on October 13, 2026, included an initial presentation of the K–12 English language arts instructional materials adoption plan. The district will review state-approved materials through school-level committees that include instructional and parent/community representatives, with publisher presentations and committee selections planned before public review and a final board decision in March. No vote was requested on the plan at this meeting. The board approved the personnel items and consent agenda; insurance consent item 7C was removed before the agenda was approved.

Public comments focused on rising employee health-insurance costs and the district’s current arrangement with Gallagher. Speakers urged the board to consider an open competitive process, including a timeline for an RFP, and cited premium increases ranging from 62% to 200%, while noting the district contribution has reportedly remained at $5,800 for at least 15 years. The board acknowledged the concerns and said it would examine options and continue discussions with the union; an executive session was discussed for October 22. No insurance contract award, RFP approval, or spending decision was made at this meeting.