Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe has been reelected for a second term after defeating opponents Blair Murphy and Tanya Heath in a highly competitive race with record campaign fundraising. Buffaloe, who initially took office in 2022, plans to continue focusing on sustainability, public safety, and affordable housing during her second term. Additionally, Nick Foster retained his Fourth Ward City Council seat, while Suzette Waters and Erica Dickson secured Columbia School Board seats, and Derek Thomas won Jefferson City’s Third Ward Council seat.
In other news, Lincoln University has resolved a legal dispute with its Alumni Association after officially severing ties following months of mediation. As part of the agreement, the association must remove “Lincoln University” from its name by July 2025, with the university planning to establish its own Alumni Council. Additionally, Boone County voters approved a $6 million bond for the Fire Protection District to enhance equipment, replace aging fire apparatus, and improve firefighter safety without increasing taxes. The bond is part of the district’s 10-year capital improvement plan.
Lastly, a study conducted by the PRiME Center at St. Louis University found that over 20% of Missouri K-12 students were chronically absent during the 2023-24 school year, with chronic absenteeism increasing in nearly 91% of school districts over the last five years, especially in urban areas and among older or low-income students.
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