Chamber gives thumbs-down on Amendment 3

Along with many local school districts and organizations, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce has come out against Amendment 3, the proposed revision to the state Constitution that would tie teacher evaluations to student performance.

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce is not taking a position on it, vice president Tim Arbeiter said.

The proposed amendment, which is on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, also would limit future teaching contracts to three years.

Teach Great, the organization initially supporting the amendment, stopped campaigning for it.

Jackson chamber executive director Brian Gerau said the chamber is approached to handle different amendment issues. If something affects the community or businesses, the chamber takes a stand for it, against it or no position, he said.

The chamber board discussed the importance of maintaining a strong school system in Jackson as a tool for city growth and economic development.

"We're firm believers in local decision making," Gerau said. " ... Our opinion is, 'Why change something that's working and working very, very well?' We want local decisions made by our local administrators."

Arbeiter of the Cape Girardeau chamber said the amendment wasn't something the organization was asked to take a position on, and it normally takes several months to consider a position. It has taken stands on issues that directly affect businesses such as minimum wage and a smoking ban.