FUND-RAISING EFFORT UNDER WAY FOR A NEW GYMNASIUM FLOOR AT CENTRAL HIGH

A group of parents, alumni and businesspersons led by Kermit Meystedt hopes to raise $75,000 to pay for a wooden gymnasium floor to be installed at Cape Girardeau Central High School's new gym.

Meystedt said he signed a line of credit with a local bank, making the project possible this year. The fund-raising effort is already under way.

On Monday, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education approved the gift of a new wooden floor. Construction should begin by the first week of August and should be complete by the start of school.

"If we had raised the funds and then called the contractor, we would be looking at starting the project next year instead of this year," Meystedt said.

Several dozen people were involved in the planning process, Meystedt said.

"We saw the need for the floor and were told of the need for the floor," said Meystedt. "We sought bids and realized that with the financial condition of the school system, they didn't have the money to do the upgrade.

"We got together and said we will raise the funds and donate to the school the new gym floor," he said.

Already, several thousand dollars have been raised. The floor costs $75,000.

"We want to emphasize that this is funded strictly through contributions, which are tax deductible," he said.

Anyone wishing to contribute may call Meystedt at his company, Genesis Transportation Co. Inc., at 335-2275.

"We have enough faith in the people in the community and alumni. We know we're going to raise the funds."

"This is not just for the basketball program," he said. "It is for the entire student body physical education classes, girls volleyball. ..."

He said experts have said the floor is dangerous for students. "It's no different than playing on a concrete floor," Meystedt said.

The wooden floor will last for generations.

"The old, wooden floor is still in very good shape. That's the one I played on 30 years ago.

"Parents with children in elementary school should please help us. Their children will benefit."

Meystedt said the gym floor is one of a list of district needs.

"Everything can't be just through tax dollars," he said. "Some needs the community must recognize and address."