BOARD SETS SCHOOL TAX VOTE FOR AUGUST

Despite a membership change, Cape Girardeau school board members focused on an upcoming tax increase proposal at an organizational meeting Monday.

New Board of Education member Martha Zlokovich and Mark Carver, who began his second term, were sworn into office after the board accepted results from last week's elections.

Former school board president Dr. Ferrell Ervin, who was bumped from office by voters, presided over the meeting until the election results were accepted by the board.

Fox elected president

School board member Dr. Bob Fox, the lone candidate for board president, was elected by acclamation, as was school board vice president Sharon Mueller, who was re-elected to a second year in the position.

The Rev. William Bird arrived after Fox's election but later said he supported the board's choice for president.

"I would have been a yes vote for him in that position, had I been present," said Bird.

Fox previously served two years as school board president. He said he did not campaign for the position but accepted it and the challenges he will face as the board's spokesman.

Vote on tax set

One of the challenges facing the board is improving its image following a controversial decision earlier this year not to rehire Central High School principal Randie Fidler. The board's decision was not unanimous and was contested by some educators, students and community members.

Fox said he hopes problems caused by that decision will heal before the board faces its main test of the year: voter approval of a tax increase proposal that would add to the district's low operating funds and increase the district's staff salaries, especially starting teacher salaries, which fall below those in neighboring districts.

Voters will consider the request for a 49-cent increase to the operating tax ceiling Aug. 14. If approved, the issue would mean a 58-cent tax hike per $100 assessed valuation, beginning this year.

"It's critical for the district," said Fox. "I think what we've asked for is modest. We've been honest with the public and I think they'll support us.".