CAPE UPDATE: EDUCATIONAL UNITY WITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS URGED THROUGH COMMUNICATION

In many ways public education in Cape Girardeau is like the law of physics: for every action there is an opposite, equal or greater, reaction. The reaction is often controversial without schools becoming a battleground where individuals let all their values and allegiances hang out. Advocates and adversaries are so unyielding and tenacious that compromise becomes impossible. Unfortunately, there are no winners or losers, and if not carefully monitored the effect of these differences can appear in the classroom where the teaching-learning process may be adversely affected.

Some individuals thrive on situations in which charge and counter-charge persist. It is the philosophy of the Board of Education and intent of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools administration to operate from the assumption that there is merit in every registered concern, and to offer assurance to complainants that their concerns will be addressed according to established policy and procedures.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that disagreement and conflict are central ingredients in making innovative changes and are essential elements of a democracy. These activities are not fatal nor necessarily detrimental to educational pursuits. Currently, administrators, representatives of our instructional staff and members of the Board of Education are working to unify the educational efforts of our local school community for the educational benefit of all our students.

In recent discussions, the importance of communication consistently ranks high as a priority. This column, "Cape Update," is made available through the cooperation of the Southeast Missourian staff and is being presented in an attempt to provide accurate information to the public on issues related to education. Initially, the "Cape Update" column will focus primarily on actual happenings within the local schools; however, parents, grandparents or others wishing answers to specific educational questions are encouraged to submit their questions to "Cape Update," in care of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools, 61 N. Clark, Cape Girardeau, 63701.