JACKSON BOARD LEARNS OF CONFERENCE

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Education met an hour earlier than normal Tuesday so its members and school administration staff could complete their work in time to attend the varsity basketball game between Jackson and Cape Central.

During the short meeting, the board learned of the first annual parenting conference for parents of students that will be held March 6 in the University Center Ballroom at Southeast Missouri State University.

The day-long conference, entitled, "Bridging the Gap," will be presented from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. by the Jackson and Cape Girardeau school districts.

It is sponsored by a number of corporations in Jackson and Cape Girardeau.

The guest speakers will include H. Stephen Glenn, author of "Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World," and Linda Sonna, author of "The Homework Solution: Getting Children to Do Their Homework."

The conference will feature a series of workshops for parents and other interested persons, including:

Teen Stress;

Success at Home Begins at School;

Old Enough to be at Home;

Kids and Sports;

Homework Solution;

AIDS and our Children.

There is no charge to attend the conference, but registration must be received by Feb. 24 if participants wish to attend a complimentary noon luncheon. For more information, call 335-7908, 651-4644 or 243-7778.

In other business, the board accepted the May 1993 resignation and retirement of Wanda Borum, who will complete her 29th year of teaching. She is a first grade teacher at Orchard Elementary School.

In his brief report to the board, Superintendent Wayne Maupin said an updated budget and final floor plan for the proposed $5.4 million middle school building project should be ready for presentation to the board at its March 9 meeting. Last week, the board voted to submit a $4.7 million bond issue to the voters that will help pay for the ~sixth and seventh grade middle school. No increase in the district's operating levy is planned.

The board voted to cancel its scheduled Feb. 23 meeting.