SCHOOL BOARD ASKS THAT QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL FINANCES BE SUBMITED

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education wants to answer questions about school district finances but needs to know the questions.

School officials have asked that people submit questions about any aspect of school finances -- spending or budgeting -- so answers can be provided at a study session April 8.

New school superintendent Dan Tallent and business manager Steve DelVecchio explained that school finance is an expansive and complicated topic. "We could talk for hours, but we would rather answer the questions that people want answered," Tallent said.

They are asking for questions to be submitted by April 1, if possible.

Depending on how many questions are submitted, information on the school district's budget, where money comes from and who makes spending decisions will be presented, said Tallent.

"Our first priority will be to answer questions," Tallent said.

Tallent and DelVecchio would like to have questions in advance of the meeting so they can prepare pie charts or bar graphs and other tools to help explain answers. But questions don't have to be submitted in advance; people also may ask questions at the meeting.

The April study session is the first in a series planned as a way of addressing priorities developed through the school district's vision planning process. A committee held town hall meetings and conducted surveys to collect information about concerns and priorities of the school system. The school board is using the information to develop a strategic plan.

While the plan is being developed, Tallent wants action to begin on some issues that surfaced in the vision process.

For example, people said they wanted more information about the district's finances and financial management. The study session is one way to provide information, said Tallent, and other methods are being investigated to get information out to people.

He envisions pamphlets with information about specific topics like finances or graduation requirements. Study sessions on other topics are also being planned.

WHERE TO SEND QUESTIONS

Send questions about Cape Girardeau school finances to:

Steve DelVecchio

61 N. Clark

Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701