SCHOOL YEAR PROMISES DIVERSION FROM ROUTINE

As Labor Day approaches, area school children are returning to classes. Notre Dame students resume studies today. Jackson students hit the books Thursday. Southeast Missouri State University begins its fall session Monday. Cape Girardeau Public Schools return Sept. 3. Summer vacation is nearly over.

The return to school provides a revival of the familiar fall routine. But this academic year may be a little different.

For one thing, the university will be making the sometimes difficult transition to Division I. Southeast teams accustomed to winning in Division II will be facing some stiffer competition. That presents a special challenge to both the teams and home town fans.

Southeast faces some changes on the academic side as well. Tightened graduation requirements forced the university to reject 450 student applications this year which didn't meet academic requirements. That's tough to do, but we commend the university for raising academic standards. Quality rather than quantity must be at the forefront of education.

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools will begin the year with a new leader at the helm. Dr. Neyland Clark comes aboard with some innovative ideas and new approaches to old problems. We welcome the new superintendent and wish him well. At the forefront of Cape Public School discussions this year will be construction of a middle school, with a probable local tax increase planned in 1992.

In fact, the focus this fall may not be on academics as much as money at all educational levels.

Most area public schools begin the year under tight budgetary constraints. Many smaller districts were unable to afford raises or major expenditures of any kind, and that will place a strain on operations. The university was forced to cut more than $900,000 from its budget due to state withholdings and vetoes.

In an attempt to ease these budget woes, the campaign will soon gear up for Proposition B. The $385 million would be generated through an increase in the state sales tax, individual income tax, cigarette and tobacco taxes, and corporate income taxes. Of that, elementary and secondary education would receive $190 million, with an additional $190 million earmarked for higher education. The remaining $5 million would go to job training. Voters will cast their ballots on Nov. 5.

The university plans to kick off a six-week educational drive in mid-September. The campaign should provide some interesting food for thought. In addition, area school boards will consider endorsement of Proposition B at their upcoming meetings.

The 1991-92 school year is upon us, with some out-of-the-ordinary developments. The term promises new lessons in finances and raising the quality of education. It's time to go back to school.