CAPE GIRARDEAU SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES GUN-, DRUG-FREE ZONES

Cape Girardeau public schools have been designated drug-free and gun-free zones, as part of a city-wide effort to curb drug and weapon offenses.

Monday, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education adopted a formal resolution designating all school properties and areas within 1,000 feet of the schools as drug-free and gun-free zones.

As part of the project, signs will be posted informing passers-by of the zones.

The program was initiated by local Optimist clubs, city officials and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Superintendent Neyland Clark said the resolution is also a response to the Zero Tolerance collaboration of the Southeast Missourian and KFVS-TV. The series of news articles outlined drug problems in the area.

Clark said the plan is to include all public and private schools in the city. "We would blanket the area," he said.

Board member Kathy Swan said following the meeting, "I think we are becoming more substance abuse aware and a little bit more dialogue is going on now about substance abuse. We will not tolerate that kind of behavior."

Board president Ed Thompson said he felt the program is designed to heighten awareness of laws concerning drug and weapon possession.

But he expressed concern that the signs would be threatening to visitors on school campuses.

"I would feel uncomfortable if people felt they were stepping into some gun or drug infested zone," Thompson said.

Clark said the school will have input on the design and wording of the signs.

"We are acknowledging that these actions are not tolerated on our campuses," Clark said. "They may be occurring on the perimeter of schools. This resolution would push that activity farther back."

"I don't want this to be construed that anyone ever condoned such action," said board member Lyle Davis. "This further strengthens our resolve against weapons and drugs."

Also at the meeting, the Cape Girardeau affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA) issued a press release endorsing the school district's upcoming bond issue.

The group pledged to "become actively involved in encouraging citizens to vote positively," the release stated.

Coralie Robertson, vice president of Cape NEA, said, "Cape Girardeau is one of the finest educational systems in our state but has an aging physical plant. It is vital to the safety and well being of our children to replace and upgrade aging buildings. Student achievement is influenced by environment.

"As teachers, we want to do everything possible to provide optimum facilities to support maximum learning."

Robertson also spoke about district health insurance, questioning Clark's decision to restructure a district committee that studies health insurance. She said disbanding the insurance committee was "ill-advised and the committee should be reconvened."

The board took the information under advisement.

Clark said health insurance issues are now being addressed by a committee including the executive council of the Community Teachers Association; the administrative council, which includes district administrators; and representatives of retirees and support staff.

The board also approved a resolution concerning employment of local contractors.

"This is something we have reiterated time and time again," Clark said. "If we are successful April 6, we anticipate spending that $25 million here at home."

The resolution refers to new construction and calls on bidders to disclose the percentage of Cape Girardeau County residents are included in their work force.

Swan said she would like to see the idea expanded in the future to include efforts to purchase local goods and services whenever possible.

Clark said make up days for time missed due to snow have not been set, but a recommendation should be ready for the April meeting. He said the days will not be made up during the scheduled spring break.