School Board Weighs $260M Bond for Facilities
Columbia Public Schools' 10-year facilities plan is nearing its planning stage, with a potential bond issue that could reach the ballot in April.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Would you vote yes on a $260 million Columbia school bond issue?
The Columbia School Board discussed the district's 10-year facilities plan, focusing on a potential $260 million bond issue that would fund the first half of the plan. The board also received a presentation on Missouri's new A-F grading system for public school districts and charter schools.
Why it matters
The proposed bond would finance a substantial portion of long-term facilities needs for Columbia Public Schools. Questions raised about how the state's new grading system ranks districts could shape how the community evaluates local school performance.
The proposed $260 million bond would cover the first half of the district's 10-year facilities plan. Final payment structure and ballot placement have not been determined.
The players
Columbia Public Schools
The public school district serving Columbia, Missouri, responsible for the facilities plan and proposed bond issue.
Paul Wagner
A Columbia School Board member who originally recommended the $260 million bond issue.
Suzette Waters
A Columbia School Board member who questioned the equity of Missouri's new A-F grading system.
Heather McArthur
The Chief Financial Officer of Columbia Public Schools who spoke about payment options for the bond.
The details
Chief Financial Officer Heather McArthur said different payment options could still be on the table. Board member Suzette Waters questioned whether the A-F grading system ranks districts equitably across the state, while board member Paul Wagner said he would be open to options beyond the bond.
Timeline
Last week: Board member Paul Wagner recommended the $260 million bond at a Finance Committee meeting.
Monday: The School Board discussed the facilities plan and received the A-F grading presentation.
April: The bond issue could land on the ballot.
Season Trajectory
Missouri's new A-F grading system for public school districts and charter schools now provides a state-level yardstick for comparing district performance. Columbia's board is examining whether that yardstick ranks districts equitably as it weighs long-term facilities investment.
Columbia residents may be asked to vote on a $260 million school bond in April. The outcome would shape school building projects that affect students and taxpayers across the district.
The takeaway
Voters and families in Columbia can track the bond discussion and the A-F grading debate as both move toward public decisions in the coming months.
What happens next
The $260 million bond issue could land on the April ballot, a decision that will determine whether the first half of the facilities plan is funded.
Further reading
For more on district leadership and planning, see Administration coverage in Columbia.
Live Poll
Would you vote yes on a $260 million Columbia school bond issue?
