CAPE SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORIZES A REVIEW OF OPERATING POLICIES

A year ago, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education set about the task of revising its district policies; this week, the board again began the process.

The school board approved a contract Monday afternoon with the Missouri School Boards Association to compile, evaluate and revise the district's operating policies.

Superintendent Neyland Clark said, "Last year about this time, we were heavily in discussions about policy revisions. Because of budget concerns, reductions and reallocations, we were not able to complete that task."

The Missouri School Boards Association, a state professional organization, offers a service to bring a school district's policies up to date concerning federal and state regulation.

The contracted service costs $6,435 for the initial work. A maintenance agreement is also available for an annual fee of $800-$875.

"If you take into consideration administrative time along with the costs of legal review," Clark said, "this is the most cost-effective way to go."

Board Vice President John Campbell met with representatives of Missouri School Boards Association last week.

"They will do a very thorough job," Campbell said, as he recommended that the district enter into the contract. "We should have a first draft by February or March of next year."

The organization will consider the district's two current policy manuals, which board member Pat Roupp pointed out are not the same. Also considered will be board minutes from the past five years, school handbooks and other documents used in the operation of the district.

"If we are missing one (policy) we should have, they will let us know," Campbell said. "If they see something illegal, they will let us know."

Once the first draft is received in the spring, the school board will take several months to review the policy manual and make any changes necessary, Clark said.

As soon as the board approved the agreement, Clark had it faxed to the MSBA office. "There are three districts vying for the next slot," he explained. "They only do one at a time."

In addition to Cape Girardeau, Clayton and St. Charles school districts are interested in the service, he said. "We are faxing this off so hopefully we will be next in line."

The board also thanked Paul Schnare of Accu-Grow in Cape Girardeau for $1,800 in lawn seed and unspecified hours of work improving the Lou Muegge Field. Clark said the varsity and junior varsity soccer teams have hosted home games on the field this fall.

"These are among the first varsity contests we've been able to host on the Lou Muegge Field, which is really their home field. There is something special when kids walk out of school and right on the field," Clark said. "Mr. Schnare has made a significant difference in the lives of children through this contribution."

Clark also reported to the board that he and several administrators had met with The Christner Partnership architectural firm in St. Louis last week to begin the planning process.

He explained that in the next few months, the district will complete a comprehensive facilities plan, a five-year financial forecast and educational program projections.

The school district is also manning a booth at the SEMO District Fair this week inside the Arena Building with information about the planning process, sporting schedules and other details on the school district.