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COLUMBUS — The Columbus Independent School District celebrated the completion of more than $13 million in campus improvements with a ribbon cutting and community open house June 24.
The projects, approved by voters through two bond propositions in May 2024, included a new fifth grade wing with a science lab, utility upgrades and a reconfigured staff parking lot at Columbus Elementary School.
Columbus High School received a new career and technical education building, parking lot expansion, renovations to the agriculture building and a digital Hall of Honor inside the Marley Giddens Gymnasium.
“What we are celebrating here today is a community that is willing to do whatever it takes to invest in future generations of Columbus,” Superintendent Chris Carpenter said. “They want to make sure our students have the highest chance of success and happiness in life.”
Following the ceremony, families, district staff and community members toured the new facilities.
During the event, Columbus Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shelley Janik presented district leaders with a certificate of recognition and an unexpected piece of school history — an old key to Columbus Elementary she discovered while cleaning out files in her office.
“I know James (Janik) and I are not the only adults here who attended these campuses,” Janik said, referring to her husband. “We’re proud of our community and excited for the future of our kids.”
