School board delays vote on bullying policy

• The Columbia school board on Monday tabled a vote on its revised bullying policy, a year and a half in the making. Board member Paul Harper said some members wanted cleaner language. The vote is now expected at the board's Oct. 21 work session, and the policy would not take effect until January 2027. The revision would require staff, substitutes, contractors and volunteers to intervene in and report bullying, and would require the district to notify the families of both the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator within five school days of a completed investigation.

Wear-Enloe named SSDF Distinguished Alum

Janet Wear-Enloe, the Sedalia School District Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni honoree for 2026, addressed the seniors Thursday morning in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

Value public schools? Vote for Betsy Fogle for state Senate | Opinion

Attending Hickory Hills Elementary as a kid I saw firsthand what public school teachers do for their students. They made me feel seen and loved, making learning fun and staying a few extra minutes to make sure I understood something before I left for the day. That willingness to go the extra mile for every child is what made me want to become a teacher. In the eight years since I started teaching, that’s who I’ve tried to be for my students. But being a public school teacher has also made me realize there are other people with major impact on my students’ lives, even if they never step foot into a classroom. As a teacher, I see how the decisions being made in Jefferson City are hurting Springfield students and their families. Public schools are the backbone of our communities. They are there to make sure every child can get a good education, no matter where they live or what their parents’ bank account looks like. But year after year, state lawmakers have neglected our schools, instead focusing on so-called “tax relief.” They promised it would mean more money in our pockets, but it turns out the pockets they

Over 10,000 Missouri students benefit from MOScholars Program

MISSOURI (KOAM) -- More than 10,000 Missouri students received educational funds from the state for the 2026-2027 school year.

HBCU Students Sue Missouri For Nearly $550 Million Over Alleged Underfunding

Current and former Lincoln University students are seeking nearly $550 million from Missouri, alleging decades of unequal funding harmed the HBCU’s facilities and academic resources.

High School football scores from Arkansas and Missouri

Four States Game Night Final Scores — Week 7

In case you missed the action Friday night, we've got you covered! Check out a variety of final scores from area matchups on the gridiron below.

The Missouri Power Grab: New School Bosses, Police Eyes on Every Corner, and Maps Under Fire: This Week Now In St. Louis and Missouri

Between school leadership changes, street surveillance debates, and high-stakes legal battles over voting districts, Missouri statehouse politics are shifting fast. Here is a clear breakdown of the top policy stories shaping the state this week. Overview: State-level policy battles in Missouri are heating up over education governance, digital surveillance, and...

New University of Missouri meat science lab opens, named after former Missouri governor

COLUMBIA — The University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources unveiled its new meat science education lab, named after former Missouri Governor Mike Parson on Friday. Parson cut the ribbon for the new facility alongside UM System President Mun Choi and CANFR Dean Christopher Daubert. "This...

Schools Face Potential Funding Losses

(Farmington) School superintendents across Missouri are calling on community members to advocate for full public education funding following a recent decision by the State Board of Education not to request complete funding from the state. A statement published by area districts indicates educational leaders warn that without state intervention from the Governor or Legislature, school districts will face significant financial reductions. While districts maintain reserve funds to manage payroll and routine expenses, officials emphasize that these balances cannot permanently replace recurring state revenue, potentially forcing tough long term decisions regarding staffing, programs, and student services.

Mizzou guarantees admission for qualifying students in 5 districts

The University of Missouri will begin guaranteeing admission to certain high school students in five Missouri school districts who meet academic benchmarks through a new Early College Direct Admission Pathway. The initiative will launch with Columbia Public Schools, Farmington School District, Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Liberty Public Schools and North Kansas City Schools, according to a community announcement. Eligible students in designated Early College programs will receive admission offers before the start of their senior year if they meet program requirements. Students must earn at least a 3.0 core GPA and complete a minimum of 12 college credit hours by the end of their junior year. Those who qualify will not be required to submit a traditional application or pay an application fee. The university said that eligible students will be notified no later than Aug. 1 before their senior year begins. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating clear, attainable pathways to higher education for Missouri students,” Steve Robinson, vice provost for enrollment management, said in the announcement. “We are proud to partner with these school districts to recognize that achievement and provide students with an early pathway to Mizzou. These are highly prepared students who before they

FFN: Blair Oaks wins 6th straight game in big win over Fulton

Fulton — Blair Oaks looked like a mean green machine in the team's 64-13 win Friday night. The Falcons led 57-7 at halftime.

JC Schools Board of Education hears bus update, approves next year's academic calendar

Things are looking up for the bus company providing transportation for students in the Jefferson City School District. Student Transportation of American took over bus service for the district in 2024, replacing First Student Transportation. But earlier this year, STA ran into the same bus driver shortages that were impacting up to 85% of school districts nationwide. Several parents expressed concern about buses that were running late.

High School Football Scoreboard Week 7/6-KS: October 9th-10th, 2026

We are midway through the High School Football season as Week 7 in Missouri and Week 6 in Kansas are in the books. Below you can find a list of all the games around our area along with scores and podcasted interviews with our area coaches (may not be posted until Saturday morning)!

Friday Night Blitz: This week’s high school football scores from Kansas, Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - High school football action returns Friday night with the regular season having a few weeks remaining in Kansas and Missouri. Tune in each Friday night for KCTV5 News at 10 for our ‘Friday Night Blitz’ with highlights and scores from around the metro.

Three area schools earn Special Olympics inclusion recognition

(KOAM) - Webb City High School in Missouri and Mustang High School and Owasso Seventh Grade Center in Oklahoma have received national banner recognition as Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.

Wright City wins third straight by running past Van-Far

The Wright City football team picked up right where it left off on Friday with a 48-18 home thrashing of Van-Far. The Wildcats won the team’s third straight after dropping the first four this season. Touchdowns came through the air and on the ground as the hosts beat the...

Battle football trusts Lipich at QB against Rock Bridge

Battle will stick with Peyton Lipich at quarterback as coach Shawn Gaines faces his alma mater, Rock Bridge, on Friday. Battle (0-6, 0-5 Central Missouri Activities Conference) is coming off a 39-0 loss to Smith-Cotton. Rock Bridge (4-2, 4-1) defeated Camdenton 24-14 in its last game. Gaines says Lipich will...

Local School Districts Warn of Millions in Potential Funding Losses

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Public school districts across Missouri are raising concerns about potential funding losses after the Missouri State Board of Education declined to request full funding for public education. In a letter sent to families, staff and community members Thursday, October 8, leaders from school districts across...

Lincoln University students, alums sue Missouri for nearly $550M, alleging state illegally underfunded the HBCU

The lawsuit cites a 2025 Trump Administration executive order urging states to honor the Morrill Act of 1890, which requires states that host land-grant HBCUs to match federal funding for those institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have well-documented cases of having their funding pulled or outright withheld over the...