NEW CITIZEN'S GROUP NOT LIKELY TO GET INTO 'NITTY GRITTY' OF RUNNING R-2 SCHOOL DISTRICT

While the recently-organized Citizens Supporting Jackson Schools has addressed "a gamut of issues" in the words of Fritz Sander, the organization is not likely to become involved in day-top-day operations of the Jackson R-2 School District.

"We encouraged people to simply talk and express ideas and concerns, relating to future growth," said Sander, a Jackson native who returned to town in 1999 and opened an investment business. We assimilated information of w hat people had been saying.

"People have an interest in the overall picture, but not really into digging in the nitty gritty of what's going on week after week."

The organization was founded in November, following a controversial fall, in which concern over student discipline and other issues saw huge crowds attend school board meetings.

The CSJS Mission Statement is "To pursue, promote and uphold the opportunity for all students; academic excellence; and a safe and disciplined learning environment, through consistent application of school policy; citizen participation; and accountability."

"It really covered a gamut of issues and drew a lot of comments," said Sander, who emerged as a leader of the group, along with the Rev. Grant Gilliard. "There were three main categories: safety and discipline; policies; and growth."

Thirty-five citizens attended the Nov. 18 meeting, but just 12 showed up Dec. 9. Sander pointed out, though, that a severe thunderstorm was hitting Jackson that night.

"At the December meeting there was interest in further discussion. We broke into cluster groups to look at issues in more depth," Sander said. "The basic conclusion was that there wasn't the interest to move forward in getting into minute areas -- very analytical kinds of things. We're simply presenting and overview to the board. We're functioning as a resource group.'"

Under Safety and Discipline, the organization lists the following subtopcs:

* Morals, ethics and drug awareness

* Consistent implementation and application of discipline

* Assimilating new students with different values

* Community awareness of safety issues

Under Policies were:

* Review of existing policies -- Are they good enough?

* Consistent implementation and application

* Communication and dialogue, openness to input

* Dialogue (concerning policies) between parents, students, teachers, administrators and school board

Under Growth were:

* Need for new buildings and expansion

* Financial concerns of existing budget

* Financial responsibility and accountability

* Funding future growth and expansion

The bond issue, tax levy and school board races on the April ballot will give the organization a chance to visibly function.

"The election process will be very informative. There is the bond issue and some important things to look at," Sander said, "like neighborhood school strategy. This will be the defining moment of what makes most sense -- what we want the school system and community to look like in 10 years. I personally haven't made up my mind."

The district patrons will be looking at an $11 million bond issue and a 40-cent tax levy increase. Meanwhile, the district will be seeking to build a K-5 elementary school on a new tract of land recently purchased.

Whether the group will be an on-going one, or one which will disband after certain concerns are addressed, is still an open question.

"I honestly don't know," Sander said. "I don't think there's the interest for an ongoing, detailed involvement in school business activities. I think the real interest is in bigger picture -- in a conceptual sense."

Neither does Sander think the group will continue to meet monthly. Whatever the future holds for the group, though, it has demonstrated a high level of interest in the R-2 School district, among the district's patrons.

"I'm a big believer in the public participating in their government and school," Sander said. "I'm very happy to be back in Jackson and very gratified to see the level of interest I see in their schools and government."

The CSJS will strive to give those with varied points of view a chance to express their ideas. This, hopefully, will lead to a stronger school system in the future.

"I think if we work together -- even if we disagree -- we can make Jackson an even better place," Sander said. "There's room for disagreement -- when it's healthy disagreement -- to bring growth and improvement."