CAPE SCHOOL BOARD SEEKS NEW VISION

Competitive salaries for district employees and an improved image in the community were goals set by the Cape Girardeau Board of Education during a planning session Saturday.

Board members held a half-day retreat at the Drury Lodge River Room to map out immediate goals and priorities with incoming superintendent Dr. Dan Steska. Board member Dr. Bob Fox was unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting was separated into three areas of discussion. Board members discussed their roles and responsibilities and how to work as a team during the first session, followed by a session to detail how they planned to work with Steska, who begins working full-time July 1.

During the final session, board members developed nine goals and objectives they hope to accomplish within the next two years. They also decided to use the district theme "Renew the Vision -- Maintain the Mission" during the 1999-2000 school year.

Goals for next year are to review the master plan and mission statement; achieve financial credibility and good management; develop a plan to implement competitive salaries for all staff; lay the foundation for passage of the second bond issue; improve internal and external human relations; review elementary instruction; address the impact of special services on discipline and education; prepare for the Missouri School Improvement Program review scheduled for 2001; devise a plan for better construction management.

"We're right on the verge of some great things happening here and it's a prime opportunity with a new administration coming in," Steska said. "There are problems with that because everybody has to be re-educated, but it also gives people a chance to ask questions."

Improving the "internal and external human relations" with teachers, other staff and the community was consistently a priority throughout the retreat. Discussions between patrons, staff and administration will improve trust, which will result in a stronger, more unified school district, board members said.

Board members said Steska should focus on working with staff and community members to improve the district's image. Administrators need to sell the district's strong points, which include high student achievement, innovative programs and extracurricular activities to let patrons know the school district is a good one.

"The public wants an accessible superintendent, the teachers want an accessible superintendent, and I think that's something you bring to the board," said school board member Sharon Mueller. "Once we get past managing and public perception, I'd really like to get down to educational issues that will benefit our kids."

Steska agreed that better staff morale and public trust is needed.

"One of my number one goals is to represent the school district," he said. "People relate to people. If they like you as a person and respect you as a person and trust you as a person, they generally respect the school district."

Board members said they want to use a team approach to address major issues, including noncompetitive staff salaries, lack of school pride, low employee morale and a poor community image. Board leadership is mandatory because these are not things administrators alone can handle, they said.

"We have to reach out, too, and that'll take a lot of the burden off" Steska, said board member David Goncher. "I think it's critical in the next six months for us to be visible in our schools and community."