$407,000 in tech improvements approved by Cape school board

The Cape Girardeau School Board approved $407,000 in technological improvements to schools during a special session Monday. Improvements could begin over the summer and will be budgeted for the 2008 to 2009 school year.

The junior high will see nearly half of the funds, more than $195,000 for wiring, switch and phone work or replacements.

The building currently has exposed bundles of wires running along the ceiling, and switches are long overdue to be replaced, said Brian Hall, technology coordinator. Hall said the network does not always work at the extremities of the building.

The board approved funding for wiring and switches last year, contingent upon a percentage reimbursement from E-rate, money from a phone bill tax that schools can apply for.

The junior high improvements were never made, however, because the district is still waiting for notification they will be reimbursed. Notification typically takes a year and a half, Hall said.

Board member Charles Bertrand said the district could not keep postponing the work.

"You can't let E-rate dictate your technology program," he said.

Originally, the board had discussed approving the $407,000 in improvements upon reimbursement, with the exception of work to the Alternative Education Center, which will be relocated to open space at the administrative offices this summer. With construction, work would have to be completed before an approval of reimbursement.

But after Bertrand's suggestion, the board decided to approve all the improvements with no contingencies.

"E-rate will just be the icing on the cake," board member Tom Reinagel said.

If the funding from E-rate does come through, the district would only be paying $122,487 for all the projects.

Misty Clifton, director of finance, said funds will be available next year because the construction of the Alternative Education Center will be complete.

Other schools that will see technological improvements are Jefferson, Blanchard and Franklin elementary schools and Central Middle School. Allocations are based on the most immediate need, Hall said. He said the department is working on a long-term plan for technology.

Following the approval of the phone and wiring bids, the board discussed expanding a plan for the new Alternative Education Center by 5,000 square feet. No motion was made because board members said the proposal would be too expensive and could not be completed in time for the new school year.

An original plan, along with two alternates, are already out for bid. The board will accept the bids Feb. 7.

The board also discussed plans to renovate three metal buildings by the junior high with the intent of ultimately moving the industrial technology department from one of the buildings to the main campus for safety reasons. The vacated building would become the new home of the maintenance department.

Dr. Steve Trautwein, board president, said the board will meet in closed session today to review applications for a new superintendent. The 11 or 12 candidates will be narrowed to those the board wants to interview. Trautwein did not say how many people the board will interview or when the finalists will be announced.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123