DOES CAPE NEED NEW SCHOOLS? OFFICIALS: RENOVATING OLD SCHOOLS IMPRACTICAL

First in a series

At Washington Elementary School, perpetual water leaks eat away at plaster in the 83-year-old building. At Central High School, stairwell landings have been converted into classrooms because no other space exists.

The district's newest building is 30 years old. The oldest, Washington, May Greene and L.J. Schultz, were built before 1920. All need renovations or updates and many are crowded.

Cape Girardeau school officials have long recognized the need for improvements. On Tuesday, they are asking voters to help.

Two funding proposals are on the ballot. Approval of both would result in a net tax levy increase of 34 cents per $100 assessed valuation. A yes vote would also trigger the first of two phases of a long-range building improvement plan.

The first phase includes construction of a vocational-technical school and an elementary school, an addition to Jefferson Elementary and renovations to the district's other buildings. Washington and May Greene Elementary schools would close.

The second phase, planned for 2001, would include construction of a high school, and renovations of the junior high to a fifth- and sixth-grade center. The existing high school would be renovated for a seventh- and eighth-grade center. Elementary schools would house grades kindergarten through four.

The school district is asking voters to approval the sale of $14 million in bonds. Repaying those bonds will increase the tax levy 30-cents per $100 assessed value. In addition, voters are being asked to waive the Proposition C rollback, which would result in a tax levy increase of 39 cents. At the same time, the district must rollback the tax levy by 35 cents because of reassessment. The net tax levy increase would be 34 cents.

The second phase of the plan would require sale of another $14 million in bonds. But those bonds can be repaid without another tax increase.

The project is funded by borrowing some money and paying for some costs as the projects progress, said Superintendent Dan Tallent.

Board president Bob Fox explained why improvements are needed.

"Why do we need a new elementary school? We have two elementary schools that are not practical to renovate," he said. "Anyone who has done any remodeling will understand."

Renovating the district's other elementary schools would be more cost effective, Fox said. The renovations also would make school buildings equitable across the district.

Washington and May Greene need major electrical renovation. "Just that one specific thing would be very difficult and expensive in a building that age," Fox said.

In addition, the plan calls for air conditioning of school buildings. The length of school years increases and more summer programs are in the works.

"When you start talking about air conditioning and ductwork, is it practical to invest that much money?" Fox asked. "We don't think that's a good use of public money."

The school district is required to make buildings handicap-accessible. May Greene and Washington would both need elevators. Washington would need two.

EDUCATED VOTE

Here is a description of each building in the district. Buildings are listed from the newest to the oldest.

Built in 1967, the Vocational-Technical School, 300 N. Clark, sits on 4.5 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure and originally contained about 24,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased in 1978 by approximately 10,000 square feet.

Built in 1965, Charles C. Clippard Elementary School sits on 12 acres at 2870 Hopper Road. It is a brick and masonry structure and contains 36,000 square feet of space.

Built in 1963, Central Junior High School, 1900 Thilenius Street, is on the Central High School property. It is a brick and masonry structure and contains 86,000 square feet of space.

Built in 1959, Alma Schrader Elementary School sits on 11 acres at 1360 Randol Ave. It is a brick and steel panel structure and originally contained 30,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased in 1961 by eight rooms. This increased the square footage by approximately 10,000 square feet. Another addition was added in 1986, which included music areas, restroom facilities and administrative offices. This brought the total square footage to approximately 40,000 square feet.

Built in 1957, Jefferson Elementary School sits on 10 acres at 520 Minnesota Ave. It is a brick and steel panel structure and originally contained 23,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased in 1961 by six rooms, adding 7,000 square feet to the building. Another addition was built in 1986, which included music areas, restroom facilities and administrative offices. This brought the total square footage to approximately 33,000 square feet.

Built in 1953, Central High School, 205 Caruthers Ave., sits on 31 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure. The building originally contained 97,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased by additions in 1968 and 1976, bringing the total square footage to 150,000 square feet.

Built in 1927, Franklin Elementary School, 215 N. Louisiana, sits on 6 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure and originally contained 30,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased in 1931 by 10,000 square feet. It was remodeled in 1964.

Built in 1919, May Greene Elementary School, 1000 Ranney St., sits on 5 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure and originally contained 23,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased by 7,000 square feet in 1926. Renovation occurred in 1966 and 1970, bringing the total square footage to 30,000.

Built in 1914, Washington Elementary School, 621 N. Fountain, sits on 3.5 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure. The building originally contained 40,000 square feet of space. The facility was increased in 1926 and 1931, adding six rooms and a gymnasium. This increased by square footage by 16,000 feet. Renovation occurred in 1967 and 1968.

Built in 1914, L.J. Schultz Middle School, 101 S. Pacific St., sits on 3 acres. It is a brick and masonry structure. The building had approximately 45,000 square feet of space when built. The facility was increased in 1920 by 15,000 square feet. A 5,000-square foot shop was added in 1941 and the building underwent renovation in 1965.