For the Media

Columbia Public Schools welcomes members of the media into our schools and strives to provide the most accurate and timely information available.

If you are interested in reporting on a story within Columbia Public Schools, please review the Columbia Board of Education School-Community Relations Policies »

Interviewing School Officials
Columbia Public Schools employs educators and administrators who, often times, are leaders in education. Our staff is prepared to discuss current and important issues with reporters. If you need assistance finding the appropriate point of contact for an interview or need researched information, please contact the Community Relations Department. We are glad to help you find the correct resource for your story. The Community Relations Department can be reached at 573-214-3960.

Visiting Schools
Anytime a reporter is on Columbia Public School property, a school district staff member should serve as an escort. The reporter must sign in as a visitor in the front office of the school building and make their presence known to the building administrator. Keep in mind that all of our schools participate in early dismissal days, standardized testing and school-wide events that may prohibit your visit on a specific day. When scheduling a school visit, please offer several available dates and times to visit the school.

Photographing Students and Staff
Columbia Public Schools operates in compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This law allows students and parents to opt out of the release of certain information about students including photographs. Each school keeps record of these students to determine who cannot be photographed and interviewed according to FERPA guidelines. Before taking photos, video and quotes from Columbia students and staff, please verify the legality of photographing these individuals with the school administrator.

Board of Education
You can keep up to date with the latest information about the Columbia Board of Education. View agenda items and board meeting activities. Additionally, you may watch taped meetings on CPS-TV on Mediacom 81, CenturyLink 97, or Charter 985 or online at https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/cps-tv.