Some Columbia Public Schools parents in support of kids heading back to in-person learning Columbia Public Schools sign Columbia, MO COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia Public Schools announced Monday their plans to potentially send students back to the classroom on January 19, 2021. The Columbia Board of Education decided to push the date for students to return to an in-person learning environment from Jan. 11 to Jan. 19. The board also plans to install air purifier systems in classrooms throughout Columbia, to help stop the spread of the virus. CPS parents and teachers have voiced concerns about how online learning is affecting the mental health of some children. Students are finding the online learning environment challenging and aren't as motivated to communicate with teachers and classmates.