CAPE UPDATE: CLOSING THE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS?

During the past year much of the discussion related to our schools centered on the bond levies presented to the public. From these discussions several issues became controversial; issues like middle school or the rate of the local taxes. Should monies be spent in trying to repair older buildings? One issue which was seldom talked about was the need to close the high school campus.

What does it mean to "close a campus?" Simply defined it means: Once students arrive at school in the morning they will remain on the school campus for the entire school day. Students will eat lunch on the school grounds and will follow the established check-in and check-out procedures when exceptions are needed. This is to be done only with the permission of the parents.

The closing of the high school campus means that parents can expect that their child is at school during the entire day.

The results of a closed campus environment would mean that additional cafeteria space would be needed. Currently the cafeteria at Cape Central is not sufficient to accommodate the lunch periods needed for all students to eat lunch. Thus, students currently leave the campus to eat at local fast food restaurants in the immediate area.

This creates a number of problems for city and school officials and for students and parents. The traffic congestion during the midday hours is only rivaled by the traffic into the Arena Park during SEMO Fair week. Secondly, the pressure to leave campus, order, eat and return to class within 25 minutes is rivaled only by the 30 minute delivery time of Domino's Pizza, which is a practice they no longer adhere to.

Problems with tardiness and absenteeism in the afternoon represent only a portion of the concerns facing the schools. The national crisis of juvenile crime, weapons on school campuses and other contraband, i.e., drugs, alcohol, etc., only compound the schools' need to restrict and closely monitor traffic on and off the school campuses.

The closing of a school campus is not always received positively by the student body, but it can be achieved in a way in which the school climate is enhanced. Contractual leases to popular restaurants can provide the same lunch choices they currently enjoy. The creation of student commons areas can provide students with an opportunity to study and socialize in the school with supervision. The important factor is, it's safe! While some will find the closing restrictive, there are many other issues to consider. At least it's a concept worthy of consideration.

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.