COLUMBIA, MO. -- Update:

Board members approved at their meeting Monday putting both the bond issue and tax levy on the April ballot.

Original story:

 Columbia school board members plan to approve 2 separate proposals for the April ballot during their meeting tonight.

Board members want to ask voters to approve a $50 million bond issue and a 40-cent tax levy increase.

Passage of both proposals would cost the average Columbia taxpayer about $150 a year.

Part of the bond issue would pay for the construction of a new elementary school and a new early childhood education center. It would also pay for additions at Shepherd Boulevard and West Boulevard Elementary schools and pay for maintenance needs at other buildings.

The tax levy increase would fund the Columbia Public School District’s operating costs including teachers’ salaries.

School Superintendent Dr. Chris Belcher said, “The federal stimulus dollars are gone.  There are no reinforcements coming in.  We’ve already taken millions of dollars in reductions from our state revenue.  We will continue to see that.  The foundation formula is not going to be fully funded.  If we don’t replace that state money, then we’re going to be facing the issues of having to continue to reduce.”

Belcher said state funding cuts have put many at risk programs in jeopardy.

The school board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the district’s administration building on Worley Street.