CAPE BOARD ALTERS MEETING DATE

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Cape Girardeau Board of Education will begin meeting the second Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. in October.

The change was voted on at the board's meeting Tuesday.

Board members said they wanted to change the meeting date and time because it often conflicted with other school district activities.

"Tonight is a great example," said Board member John Campbell. "It's back-to-school night at Central High. I would love to be over there roaming the halls. It seems that every night we have a board meeting we have some other conflicting activity in the district."

Vice President Ed Thompson said, "I haven't been to a Christmas concert since I've been on the board.

Board member Lyle Davis said, "We don't want to preclude the public from attending."

Campbell responded, "I think if we assure everyone that we are willing to meet at other times if the need arises we will be okay."

Campbell suggested beginning the meetings at 4 p.m. Davis said that was too late and suggested 5 p.m.

Board member Gwen Bennett said, "I don't want to start so late that we rush to finish business if we have a 7 p.m. commitment."

"It seems that most school activities are on Tuesdays or Thursdays," said board member Carolyn Kelley.

Campbell suggested the second Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. The motion passed.

"If we seem to develop a problem, I would be willing to change back," Campbell said.

The school board and superintendent are beginning a 9-month process of revising and updating the board policy manual.

Clark proposes that one major section of policy be addressed each month. He said some portions of the policy will need to be reviewed by professional groups like teachers and administrators, and school district attorneys.

The board approved a resolution requiring board members to file financial disclosure reports to help prevent any possible conflicts of interest. The resolution was drafted as part of Missouri's ethics legislation.