Officials worry education plan would undercut local control

Several members of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education urged local lawmakers Monday to oppose a proposal requiring 65 percent of district funds to be spent on classroom instruction.

State Sen. Jason Crowell and Rep. Nathan Cooper, both Cape Girardeau Republicans, heard from board members that the idea undermines local control of schools. The board held a special meeting to talk to the lawmakers.

State accountability standards set the goals for school districts, as does the federal No Child Left Behind law, noted board member Sharon Mueller. "Don't tell us how to spend our money in achieving those standards," she said.

Crowell said the 65 percent idea has merit, but that local control is more important. Cooper, meanwhile, indicated he was undecided on the measure, which has been touted as a priority by Republican Gov. Matt Blunt.

One reason many lawmakers may be sympathetic to the idea is the large salaries paid administrators compared to teachers.

Cooper noted that in some districts, he has seen statistics showing administrative salaries growing at three times the rate of teaching pay.

Cape Girardeau schools will see real benefits in coming years from a new state school funding plan approved this year, Crowell said. The district can expect about $400,000 more in each of the next two years.

Other measures taken by the Missouri Legislature could mean reduced costs for the district for expenses such as worker's compensation insurance and unemployment insurance, he said.

As they adjourned the special meeting, board members discussed when they could hold a meeting for people interested in running for the board to learn about the duties. Steve Trautwein, board president, said board candidates must file between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 for the April 2006 election.