SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS COMMITTEES

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education has selected members of two ad hoc committees to consider the school district's finances and teacher preparation periods.

In June, board members approved mission statements for two ad hoc citizen-based committees of administrators, teachers and district patrons.

A finance committee was developed to help administrators study the district's financial position. Members will help the board to develop a two- to five-year financial plan. A similar committee was organized two years ago to develop the district's master plan, which was instrumental in passing a $14 million bond issue in 1997.

Members of the finance committee are school business manager Dr. Steve Del Vecchio, board member David Goncher, Ken Dobbins, Jim Drury, Reggie Gipson, Steve Green, Bill Hinckley, Walt Lilly, Jim Limbaugh, Howard Meagle, John Mehner, Amy Randol, Don Sherwood and Judy Wilferth.

A second committee will study eliminating the second preparatory period secondary teachers have. The board became interested in the issue last spring after it was recommended the additional period be eliminated as a means of easing the district's financial crunch during the next school year. Elementary teachers in the district have only one preparatory period, as required by law.

The committee is also charged with reviewing all secondary programs and class offerings to ensure they are meeting the needs of the district, said school superintendent Dr. Dan Tallent.

Members of the program committee are assistant superintendent Bill Biggerstaff, board member Mark Carver, Sheryl Dunavan, Kerrye Foley, Kevin Ford, Ann Fowler, Rob Huff, Terry Kitchen, Karen McDougall, Steve Schaffner, Sarah Schermann, Lyn Stoecker, Angie Tygett, Mary Wilhite, Jerry Witvoet and Kathy Wright.

Potential members for a third ad hoc committee are being sought. When seated, the committee will recommend a name for the new elementary school being built near Bertling and Sprigg streets.