Columbia CUSD 4 Board Reviews Tax Trends, Staffing, Facilities Progress, and Teacher Collaboration Initiative

Jan 16
4 min read

Columbia, Ill. — January 15, 2026

The Columbia Community Unit School District 4 Board of Education met Thursday evening, January 15, to review district operations, personnel updates, curriculum leadership changes, facilities progress, and a proposal to reinstate early release Wednesdays aimed at strengthening teacher collaboration and student learning outcomes.

The meeting followed standard procedures with a roll call, pledge, approval of the consent agenda, reports, public comment, and an executive session for personnel matters. The board adjourned at 8:21 p.m., with no action taken following closed session.

Tax Rates Decline Despite Levy Growth

Monroe County Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein presented a 10-year overview of district tax data, noting that while the total amount levied has increased by approximately 35 percent over the past decade—an average of about 3.5 percent annually—tax rates have declined during that same period.

Koenigstein emphasized that levy increases remain within the limits of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). He also reminded residents that assessment notices will be issued in February, with tax bills mailed during the summer.

Staffing Updates and Retirements

The board reported no resignations since the previous meeting. Several new hires were approved, including custodial and food service positions, and the introduction of Laura Yarber as the district’s new Curriculum Director.

Multiple vacancies are currently posted, largely due to retirements. The district anticipates replacing three elementary teachers, an elementary music teacher, and a high school chemistry teacher. Additional openings include a newly created Director of Human Resources and Operations role and a lunch recess supervisor position.

Curriculum Leadership Restructuring Approved

A key action item of the evening was the unanimous approval of a revised job description for the Curriculum Director position. Yarber’s role replaces the assistant superintendent position as part of a broader leadership restructuring. Board members noted that administrative job descriptions had not undergone a comprehensive review in several years, making the update both timely and necessary.

Yarber was formally welcomed by the board, with members highlighting her leadership and contributions to curriculum development.

Early Release Wednesdays Proposed to Strengthen Collaboration

One of the most significant discussions centered on a proposal to reinstate early release Wednesdays to provide teachers with consistent, protected time for collaboration. This proposal was passed and approved by the Board.

Under the plan, students would be dismissed early on Wednesdays with staggered release times across buildings, allowing teachers at least one hour each week to work in teams. The initiative is designed to support professional learning communities, data analysis, and instructional planning.

District administrators described the effort as a cultural shift from a focus on teaching to a focus on learning, guided by four core questions:

What do we want students to know or be able to do?
How will we know they have learned it?
What will we do if students are not learning it?
What will we do if students already know it?

Teacher feedback on previous early release models was described as positive, though earlier versions provided only about 40 minutes of collaboration time. The new proposal aims to extend and protect that time, limiting interruptions. Administrators also acknowledged potential childcare challenges and said the district is exploring expanded Eagle Zone programming and other supports for families.

Facilities Nearing Completion, Auditorium Opens Soon

The board received an update on facilities construction, with a particular focus on the district’s new auditorium. A recent tour confirmed that the project is nearing completion, with rigging and lighting installations ongoing.

Partial occupancy is expected by late January, allowing student rehearsals during non-construction hours. Commissioning and staff training will follow. The first scheduled production in the space is Mamma Mia, featuring 43 student performers and a technical crew of approximately 15 to 20 students.

Board members described the auditorium as a major asset and point of pride for the district.

Fiscal Stewardship and Sustainability Efforts

Throughout the meeting, board members reiterated a commitment to fiscal responsibility, emphasizing that major capital projects have been completed without raising tax rates.

The district is also evaluating energy-efficiency initiatives, including LED lighting upgrades and the feasibility of installing solar panels on newer roofs, such as the middle school. Administrators noted that available solar incentives are time-sensitive, prompting further analysis of long-term cost savings and sustainability benefits.

Enrollment and Upcoming Screenings

In the superintendent’s report, Dr. Grode announced upcoming birth-to-five developmental screenings scheduled for February 19–20 at Parkview Elementary. He also noted that enrollment for the district’s tuition-based pre-kindergarten program is filling quickly. Tuition is set at $600 per month, with no afterschool care option currently available.

Staffing Changes and Vacancies

Position	Status	Notes
Custodial (McKenna Litteken)	New Hire	Educational support personnel
Cook (Nathan Schwartz)	New Hire	Educational support personnel
Curriculum Director (Laura Yarber)	New Hire	Replaces assistant superintendent
Director (HR & Operations)	Vacancy	New position
Lunch Recess Supervisor	Vacancy (replacement)	Position moved to aid role
Elementary Teachers (3)	Vacancy (replacement)	Due to retirements
Elementary Music Teacher	Vacancy (replacement)	Retirement
High School Chemistry Teacher	Vacancy (replacement)	Retirement