DISTRICT HOPES REALTORS GIVE SCHOOLS FAIR SHAKE

Area real estate agents got a hard sell on the positive attributes of Cape Girardeau schools during a special breakfast meeting Tuesday at Barbara Blanchard Elementary School.

The meeting, attended by some 80 members of the Cape Girardeau County Realtors Association, was planned by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce education committee to ensure real estate agents painted an accurate picture of the school district to newcomers.

People searching for a new home trust real estate agents to direct them to neighborhoods and communities that fulfill their family's needs. And school and chamber officials said Cape Girardeau's public schools have much to offer.

"It became a priority of our education committee to make sure local Realtors were provided with accurate information concerning the Cape Girardeau public school system so they would be able to supply that information to people moving into the area," said John Mehner, president and chief executive officer of the chamber.

To increase awareness, Superintendent Dan Steska distributed leaflets detailing the district's highlights. Included was information about the building renovations and new construction undertaken by the district in recent years to provide better technological access and rooms equipped for modern educational programs. Some 10,000 leaflets will be distributed to realtors and businesses throughout the city to let the community know Cape Girardeau students are excelling at local, regional, state and national levels.

"Some people are happy to have just one student qualify for the National Merit program every year or so," Steska said. "Last year we had eight students recognized through that program, which put us about eight times over what other people hope to average, and we're doing that every year."

Steska said numerous factors are considered when families buy homes, including the parks, businesses and entertainment options a community holds. However, a priority to most families is the condition of the public school system.

"We see the Realtors as an important partner working with the schools and the community to attract both families and businesses," he said.

Steska proclaimed the meeting attendees "Tigers for the Day," presenting each person with T-shirts and other giveaways that carried the district's logo and mascot. Eight students who served as greeters for the event taught real estate agents the hand gesture Steska created to emphasize the district's "Renew the Vision, Maintain the Mission" motto.

"We really want them to feel a part of the Cape public schools," he said. "This is just one more aspect of our vision for the school district in enhancing community relations."