JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD TO TAKE UP IMPROVEMENTS

JACKSON -- While new school buildings might have to wait for bond issue approval, Jackson public schools plan to spend $180,500 in building repairs this summer.

The Jackson Board of Education is expected to approve the list of repairs at its meeting tonight. The board meets at in the Middle School Library, 1651 W. Independence.

Most of the repairs are routine summer maintenance, said superintendent, Dr. Howard Jones. The list includes adding air conditioning in some classrooms, installing new doors and lights, replacing floor tiles and bleachers in the junior high school gym, remodeling the library at the junior high school and converting a storage area at the Primary Annex to a teacher work area.

The estimated cost of the repairs will be at least $180,500. But that figure is about the same as those in the past, Jones said.

While repairing existing buildings is important, the greatest concern is having enough classroom space for students. The 1996-97 enrollment figures anticipate about 100 more students.

To accommodate the growth, a new elementary school and high school math and science building are needed. They were listed as top priorities by the district's facilities review committee. However, the board has not approved their construction.

"We want to be sure the board, and teachers are in sync," Jones said, adding that while some preliminary drawings are ready, no costs have been estimated.

The board likely will place a bond issue to fund the construction project on the August ballot.

JACKSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.

Jackson Middle School Library

Action Items

-- Consider agreement between Cape Girardeau Office of Emergency Preparedness and Jackson R-2 School District.

-- Consider agreement between American Red Cross and Jackson R-2 School District.

-- Consider capital projects for summer 1996.

-- Consider request from Jackson Rotary Club for admission of a non-resident foreign exchange student for 1996-97 school year.

Information Items

-- Report district technology advisory committee.

-- Report from gifted education advisory committee.

-- Update on facilities planning.

-- Assistant Superintendent's report.

-- Superintendent's report.

-- Discuss future agenda items.

Executive session to discuss employment, personnel evaluation or real estate.