COLUMBIA- The Columbia Public Schools Board of Education voted 5-2 Monday night for elementary and pre-k students to return in-person four days a week and a hybrid option for secondary students, beginning Jan. 19. The hybrid option will split secondary students into two groups, based on last name. It will not break down completely equal, Superintendent Dr. Peter Stiepleman noted during the meeting. Group one students will return in-person Mondays and Tuesdays, while group two students will return in-person on Thursdays and Fridays. "Secondary students will have the opportunity to Zoom in on the days they are assigned online to participate in group projects and interact with peers and teachers," Dr. Steipleman said.