GOVERNOR MAKES DEAL WITH PUPILS

Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft urged students at Alma Schrader School Tuesday to "make a deal" with him and their parents to study hard to get the most out of their educational opportunities.

"When you go home tonight, I hope you will tell your parents that you made a deal with the governor today that you're going to work hard in school," Ashcroft told a group of third-grade students.

He also urged the children to make a deal with their parents that "you'll study hard if they'll help you. It will be the best deal you ever make."

Ashcroft visited about a half-dozen classes from kindergarten to third-grade as part of a visit to Cape Girardeau on behalf of Proposition B. In each class, he offered his "deal" to students.

A major focus of Ashcroft's visit was that Proposition B would give school districts incentives for reducing class sizes to 15 in kindergarten through second grade. He stressed that smaller classes in those grades lead to increased pupil achievement in reading and math and improve performance of students with lesser academic ability and minority and disadvantaged students.

Ashcroft pointed out that when Alma Schrader School first opened in 1959 it had 325 students. Today it has a record enrollment of 589.

The governor said he was concerned about overcrowding and "smaller classes have a positive impact on learning ... students achieve more in smaller classes."

"Under Proposition B, each time a district lowers its average class size by one child in kindergarten through second grade, the money that district receives in funding per student is increased to help pay for additional teaching staff," explained Ashcroft.

Ashcroft was led through the school by Heather McCoy, a sixth- grader who is president of the student council, and David Giles, the school principal.

The governor spent several minutes with each class and joined in whatever subject was being taught. In one class, the governor assisted with a lesson in geography, in another arithmetic, and in another he discussed science.

In a kindergarten class he asked a series of questions concerning whether the students were enjoying school, working hard, and enjoying learning. Each question was answered with a "yes" in unison. In another kindergarten class, students were enjoying a "ghost snack," which they shared with him.

He also fielded a variety of questions from students that ranged from what he did as governor to if he knew what 100 plus 55 was."

At every room he encouraged students to work hard, to have fun learning, and make the best of their education.

"I'm glad you like school and are working hard," the governor said. "I want you to get all the knowledge you can to help you get a good job and help yourself and your family."

The governor discussed voting with some students and urged them to tell their parents about Proposition B.

"I'm working hard to make sure we're getting better schools in Missouri," Ashcroft said.

At a press conference following his tour, the governor was accompanied by Kala Stroup, president of Southeast Missouri State University, and Neyland Clark, superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.

Proposition B, if approved by voters on Nov. 5, would generate $385 million for education, with about $5 million going for job-training programs and $190 million each to higher education and elementary and secondary education.

Ashcroft said, "Any time learning is going on, Missouri is a better place." He said, "I enjoy seeing kids in the classroom ... I'm delighted to see the eagerness of children's faces to learn."

The governor said he has had a long-time disdain for higher taxes and had opposed tax increases in the past. "I would not be supporting this one if it were for business as usual," Ashcroft said, citing reforms tied to the increased funding for all levels of education.

"I believe it is the best opportunity we have to make an investment in the future of our state," said Ashcroft.

The governor said the tax burden is low for the average person. For a family of four, with both parents working and earning $32,500 a year, the cost would be 42 cents a month, he said.

Ashcroft said he did not think passage of Proposition B would make it difficult for school districts to pass additional levy increases needed for operating revenue or capital improvements the next few years. "That argument says the state should never do its part," the governor said. "The state is willing to provide substantial state resources to improve education. This is a very good proposal because it ties resources to specific reforms."

The funds for elementary and secondary education cannot be used until a new foundation formula is approved for distributing money to schools.

Ashcroft said he intended to be active in the discussion about preparing a new formula and he has faith in the General Assembly's ability to pass a fair formula next year.

He said some parameters are included in Proposition B for drawing the new formula, including a "hold-harmless" provision that would keep school districts from receiving less money than they do now.

"The fact is, the only way to ensure school districts will not suffer from restructuring the formula will be by passing Proposition B," said Ashcroft.