CAPE UPDATE: REDISTRICTING OFFERS CHANCE TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY

In a recent Southeast Missourian editorial the Board of Education was commended for tackling the difficult task of redrawing district boundaries. It must be recognized it is easier to recommend or commend than undertaking and, or accomplishing the task.

It is the belief of the Board of Education and the administration that we must work hard to create conditions within the school district and throughout the community to encourage responsible progress. The longer we wait to address the difficult issues, i.e. redistricting, the greater the risk that events will take control and we will gradually lose the ability to shape our own future.

Historically, redistricting has been an issue to avoid due to the potential political ramification. However, our responsibility to the needs of the children are paramount to politics. The time is now to begin the planning, decision-making, and implementation process for successfully redistricting our school boundaries.

The legitimate decision to redistrict must begin with the statement of who owns this issue and what the underlying goals are. I suggest the ownership of this issue belongs to our entire community. The goals are numerous. The following list is not considered inclusive:

-- Balance school size.

-- Balance class size.

-- Provide for optimum economic operation cost.

-- Provide educational equity and quality for all students.

-- Maintain commitment to neighborhood concept.

-- Minority balance throughout our community.

-- Protect property values of city residences.

The planning process for this difficult decision calls for responsible involvement from everyone. The Board of Education is committed to the widespread acceptance of the need to redefine school boundaries. Acceptance does not mean everyone will agree with every boundary, but it does mean people will respect the process.

I sincerely believe our school district stands on the threshold of an unusual opportunity to create a new and positive learning environment for all children of the school district, thereby serving and strengthening our entire community.

Neyland G. Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.