Cape school officials starting early on comprehensive plan update

Leadership changes have taken their toll on strategic plans for the Cape Girardeau School District.

Cape Girardeau School Board members said they are taking steps early to work on a new Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. During a special meeting, four board members met with David Lineberry of the Missouri School Board Association to discuss plans for the upcoming plan review.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires every district have an ongoing written plan to develop goals, actions and oversight. Every five years district officials review the plan, and Cape Girardeau is scheduled to revamp its plan during the next school year.

Board president Kyle McDonald said the current plan is not as strong as it could be. He said the district changed directions with a new administration and the plan was not revised.

"Take the transition out, I think it was working very well," he said.

The board put former superintendent Dr. David Scala on administrative leave in December 2007. Assistant superintendent Pat Fanger filled in as the interim until superintendent Dr. Jim Welker started July 2008. During the transition the district hired Neil Glass as director of administrative services and Misty Clifton as director of finance.

When Welker started, he established district goals with building principals and board members. He said he is excited about forming a more comprehensive plan.

"We're doing things," Welker said. "I don't know if we were focusing on how those things tie together."

Lineberry said he has worked with districts in St. Louis and Kansas City on their plans. Because the board is taking action early, it will have time to incorporate more staff and community input into the plan. The plan will also include more oversight to make sure it is being implemented, he said.

"Some neat opportunities are before us because of the timeline," he said.

abusch@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO