CAPE UPDATE: THE CASE FOR PROPOSITION C NOW

On June 7, just one week from today, the Cape Girardeau school district will ask voters to approve a waiver of the Proposition C rollback. This request comes to voters after three public forums, two traditional bond defeats and countless meetings and discussions which provided insight into several items which concerned the community. Hopefully, the Board of Education has effectively responded to input gathered and concerns expressed during those meetings.

The citizen input on the Prop C rollback waiver urged serious consideration be given to maintaining present facilities rather than embarking on a more expensive, large-scale construction program. Ed Thompson, board president, directed the administration to protect the locally paid funds to ensure that all of these funds remain in the Cape Girardeau school district and that all locally paid funds be solely used for capital outlay or building improvements.

Lyle Davis and Robert Fox, representing the Board of Education's facilities committee, worked with school personnel to list the following targeted areas of improvement:

Electrical upgrade

Improved lighting

Heating system upgrades

Improved fire protection systems

Tuck pointing and waterproofing

Floor coverings

Upgrade of media centers and libraries

Window replacements

Plumbing upgrade

Roof replacement

Furniture replacement

Parking lots

Wooden bleacher replacement

State matching funds for energy

ADA (handicapped accessibility) requirements

Replacement of chalkboards

Computer learning labs

Master lock systems

State matching grants for technology

Intercom communication systems

Vo-Tech equipment

Thompson also noted some constituents were concerned that historically the district had been known to transfer funds into accounts for different purposes. Therefore, the Board of Education has specifically earmarked the $1,136,464 of local funds for the much needed building improvements and technology support. These funds will not be diverted to other funds in the future.

Citizens expressed concern on another issue which related to local funds being distributed to other districts throughout the state. This is particularly true of monies under Senate Bill 380 and the most recent and controversial Senate Bill 676, which increased funds going to St. Louis and Kansas City. It is for this reason that over 200 school districts in the state of Missouri have voted yes to the Proposition C rollback in their own communities.

The Proposition C rollback waiver on the June 7 ballot is reflective of the community and is forwarded by a Board of Education concerned for the students and the constituents it serves. Kids aren't the only ones who will benefit from an investment in the Cape Girardeau public schools. Many people may think Proposition C has very little to do with them. But the end result of investing in and maintaining our schools is more jobs and a healthier economy in our community. Being able to depend on stable costs for products and services in our local community is a definite plus.

An open meeting will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Central High School for those who would like to know more about the effects of the Proposition C rollback.

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.