Columbia School District
Home of the Golden Eagles: Empowering Learners. Achieving Success.
This is a very important reminder for all Columbia School District families: Tomorrow, October 7th, is Count Day!
Count Day is a vital part of our school funding, and accurate attendance is crucial for securing the resources that support every student's education. Your child's presence helps fund programs, staff, and opportunities across our district.
We are so grateful for our incredible teachers! Thank you for your passion, your commitment, and for the difference you make every single day in the lives of our Golden Eagles. Your work goes far beyond the classroom, and it does not go unnoticed.
Columbia School District extends its warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to Superintendent Jim Baker as he officially announces his upcoming retirement. Since August of 2023, his leadership and vision have helped position the district for long-term growth and educational excellence.
Upon assuming the role of Superintendent, an ambitious set of short-term and long-term goals was established to strengthen district operations and enhance opportunities for students. Reflecting on his tenure, the district has achieved several major operational and academic milestones:
*Bond Initiative Success: Successfully passed a major district bond initiative to fund facility improvements and modernization.
*Curriculum Alignment: Spearheaded the overhaul and alignment of core K-12 curriculum standards.
*Financial Stability: Built a robust fund balance supported by a stable sinking fund to protect the district's fiscal future.
*Community Partnerships: Strengthened collaborative relationships with local leaders, businesses, and civic organizations across Jackson County.
As he steps down as Superintendent, Mr. Baker noted that his primary inspiration is family. With four adult children, five wonderful grandchildren, and a sixth grandbaby arriving this December, his retirement goal is simple: to be fully present with his family every day.
The Board of Education will soon initiate the search process to identify a successor who will build upon this strong foundation. On behalf of the entire Columbia School District staff, students, and Golden Eagle community, we express our deepest gratitude for his service and wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement!
Upon assuming the role of Superintendent, an ambitious set of short-term and long-term goals was established to strengthen district operations and enhance opportunities for students. Reflecting on his tenure, the district has achieved several major operational and academic milestones:
*Bond Initiative Success: Successfully passed a major district bond initiative to fund facility improvements and modernization.
*Curriculum Alignment: Spearheaded the overhaul and alignment of core K-12 curriculum standards.
*Financial Stability: Built a robust fund balance supported by a stable sinking fund to protect the district's fiscal future.
*Community Partnerships: Strengthened collaborative relationships with local leaders, businesses, and civic organizations across Jackson County.
As he steps down as Superintendent, Mr. Baker noted that his primary inspiration is family. With four adult children, five wonderful grandchildren, and a sixth grandbaby arriving this December, his retirement goal is simple: to be fully present with his family every day.
The Board of Education will soon initiate the search process to identify a successor who will build upon this strong foundation. On behalf of the entire Columbia School District staff, students, and Golden Eagle community, we express our deepest gratitude for his service and wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement!
Love having summers and holidays off? Join our Transportation Team as a Bus Driver! See the details in the graphic below to apply today.
Our elementary students had a blast with the cheerleaders and football players at today's pep assemblies! Bring your family to the parade tonight at 5:00 PM in Brooklyn and the game at 7:00 PM to keep the Homecoming fun going!
FlashbackFriday - Take a look back at Columbia’s 1987 Homecoming! Come out tonight to see the awesome floats our classes have created over 30 years later!
Happy Custodian & Maintenance Appreciation Day! We're so grateful for our amazing custodial/maintenance team who keep our school clean and sparkling!
All volunteers must have a new approved volunteer on file before participating at a school event. Please turn in your signed volunteer form with a copy of your driver's license at least five school days before the event. Forms turned in the week of the event cannot be guaranteed to be approved in time. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our schools safe! Forms are available in each building office or online. 2026-2027 Volunteer Form
Come and enjoy a family skate night + a fundraiser for our PTO!
Tuesday, October 6th
6-8 PM
AllSkate Fun Center
Online Link to Purchase Tickets - https://tinyurl.com/2s67tc28
Tuesday, October 6th
6-8 PM
AllSkate Fun Center
Online Link to Purchase Tickets - https://tinyurl.com/2s67tc28
Bonjour, Columbia Central! If you are interested in traveling in a small group setting to either Montreal, Canada, or Paris, France, come to this important informational meeting tonight!
These trips are open to students who will take or have taken French 1, 2, 3, or 4 before the trip date. Parents are also eligible to travel
These trips are open to students who will take or have taken French 1, 2, 3, or 4 before the trip date. Parents are also eligible to travel
Don't miss the Fall FAFSA & College Application Event on Saturday, October 3rd from 11 am to 7 pm! As October approaches, it’s the perfect time to help our seniors plan and submit their college applications. Many colleges waive their application fees throughout October, making it the best time to apply! Make sure to visit the College & Career Access Center at Jackson Crossing to take advantage of their free resources and support.
Bus 6 - Delay: Due to a non-emergency situation, Bus 6 will be significantly delayed this morning. If possible, families are encouraged to make alternative transportation arrangements to get students to school. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Today, we are sending a massive THANK YOU to the incredible members of the Columbia School District PTO! Our PTO volunteers are the heartbeat of our schools. Whether they are organizing family fun nights, funding classroom grants, volunteering at the book fair, or making sure our teachers feel loved, they always go above and beyond for our students and staff. We are so grateful for your time, your energy, and your endless dedication to making Columbia School District the best place to learn and grow.
Bus Route 2 is canceled this afternoon, Friday, Sept 25, due to a driver emergency. Please arrange for student pickup at dismissal. This route includes these major roads: Jefferson, Ocean Beach, N. Lake Rd, Hyde, Gates, & White Rd. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Help us honor our Golden Eagle teachers by nominating them for Jackson Magazine’s Top Teachers Program!
Outstanding educators from Jackson County will be named Teacher of the Year, and top honorees will be featured in the May 2027 issue.
Nomination Quick-Check:
Full-time K–12 teacher in any Jackson County school district
5+ years of classroom teaching experience before 2026–2027
Not a past Teacher of the Year winner or recent grant recipient (past 3 years)
Unsure if your favorite teacher qualifies? Nominate them anyway—eligibility will be verified! All nominations are confidential.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Submit your nomination today to celebrate the teachers making a difference for our students! https://www.jacksonmagazine.com/awards/top-teachers/nomination/
Outstanding educators from Jackson County will be named Teacher of the Year, and top honorees will be featured in the May 2027 issue.
Nomination Quick-Check:
Full-time K–12 teacher in any Jackson County school district
5+ years of classroom teaching experience before 2026–2027
Not a past Teacher of the Year winner or recent grant recipient (past 3 years)
Unsure if your favorite teacher qualifies? Nominate them anyway—eligibility will be verified! All nominations are confidential.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Submit your nomination today to celebrate the teachers making a difference for our students! https://www.jacksonmagazine.com/awards/top-teachers/nomination/
Elementary Students: Homecoming Spirit Week is coming the week of September 28th! Please take note that Monday and Tuesday spirit themes are swapped in each building to accommodate Picture Day.
Our district is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Robotics Coach to support and inspire students in our growing robotics program. The ideal candidate is passionate about STEM education, enjoys hands-on problem-solving, and thrives in a collaborative, student-centered environment. This role includes guiding students through robotics challenges, preparing for competitions, and fostering teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
Jr/Sr High School Parents, please log into your Parent PowerSchool account today and make sure your Opt-In forms are filled out. We want every student to have access to the opportunities offered. For more information about the specific activities please check the descriptions on our website at Student Clubs & Activities. If after reviewing the descriptions you would like to change your selections, you are welcome to resubmit the form.
Elementary Parents, please log into your Parent PowerSchool account today and make sure your Opt-In forms are filled out. If an activity/assembly/event isn't checked, your child will not be able to join their classmates during those activities or events. We want every student to be part of the opportunities offered. For more information about the specific activities please check the descriptions on our website at Student Clubs & Activities. If after reviewing the descriptions you would like to change your selections, you are welcome to resubmit the form.
Reminder: Columbia Music Association shirt orders are due this Friday!
