Columbia CUSD 4 board approves audit, tax levy, student trip and vehicle purchases

The Columbia CUSD 4 Board of Education approved a series of routine but consequential items at its meeting, including the district's fiscal-year 2025 audit, the 2025 tax levy, approval of early graduates, authorization of a student trip to Europe for the 2026'17 school year and the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer for the district's driver's-education program.

Administration presented the audit and recommended approval of the final draft so it could be posted with the Regional Office of Education; the board voted to accept the audit as presented. The board also approved the 2025 tax levy and directed administration to file it with county courthouses as required.

On student matters, the board approved requests to certify a set of early graduates who have completed requirements and will be permitted to walk with their class, and it approved a proposed Europe trip for the 2026'17 school year. Board discussion clarified the trip goal of roughly 20 students with three chaperones; administration said the final roster will depend on student interest.

The board also accepted the lone bid from Weber Chevrolet for a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (front-wheel-drive LS) at $25,003.27 to be used as a driver's-education vehicle; administration recommended awarding the contract to the single responsive bidder and the board approved the purchase by roll call.

All formal actions voted on in roll call were approved by the board. The meeting record shows motions were made and seconded for each item and the clerk conducted roll-call votes that resulted in approval.