CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS HIGH PRIORITY AT SCHOOL HEARING

Some things may get better with age, but not school buildings.

Replacing aging elementary schools and constructing new buildings were top priorities at a Vision Planning meeting Thursday night.

Loretta Dodd came to talk specifically about the need for new school buildings. Replacing aging buildings, particularly Washington Elementary School, was her major concern.

"You can't second guess the future, but you need to make the buildings flexible as new things come along," she said.

About 30 people attended the meeting at the Junior High School. It was the sixth community meeting conducted by the Vision Planning Committee.

The next public meeting will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at Jefferson School and will focus on school finances.

Parents, grandparents, and school volunteers gave their input about the direction the schools need to take for the future. The most common suggestions were newer buildings and a middle school.

Other suggestions were to separate the senior and junior high campuses; develop an alternative school program; consider redistricting to make the schools less crowded; and air conditioning all buildings.

Most of the suggestions work hand in hand, one parent said, adding that children can learn in any type of building, regardless of age or architecture.

Jeanine Dobbins, a discussion leader, said schools are important to a community's growth, both economically and socially.

"We really need new buildings if we want to remain a place where people settle," she said, adding that her family moved to Cape Girardeau because they heard good things about the community.

The open group discussions were impressive, said Bert Kellerman, another discussion leader.

"It's a wonderful way to get the input because the schools are the people's schools," he said.

By listing concerns and ranking those suggestions, residents are helping the Cape Girardeau school district develop a five-year strategic plan.

Vision 2000, a community betterment group, and the Vision Planning committee lead the group discussions.

In addition to community meetings, sessions with students, staff and administrators are also planned. A town hall meeting will be held Nov. 7.