SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES MEET, DISCUSS ISSUES AT LWV FORUM

New construction combined with repairs and renovations of existing facilities should offer a winning combination, said candidates for Cape Girardeau's Board of Education.

Candidates answered questions at a League of Women Voters forum Tuesday at Central Junior High School. About 50 people attended.

On April 5, voters will select two members for three-year terms on the board.

Attending were candidates Bob Fox, Bill Hopkins, Steve Naeter, Addie Marie Walker and incumbent Pat Ruopp. Jack Sterrett was unable to attend.

"I do feel we need a new building," said Naeter, "but at the same time, has time been taken to look at the buildings we have? Would it be cost effective to repair these buildings?"

Naeter added that repairs to existing buildings are long overdue. The most recent renovations at many buildings were made in the 1960s and 1970s. "Cape Girardeau has really done this to themselves by not taking the time and making the decisions needed before," he said.

Ruopp said: "I feel confident this is the way to go -- an elementary school." He explained that initially board members believed a new middle school was the best choice. "As a result of forums, the public seems more interested in an elementary school."

Walker said: "I don't feel the buildings in bad repair can be made ready for the children. In all likelihood, an elementary school will be built."

To those who question the cost of construction, she says, "Where do you want your money to go? Do you want to provide a good quality education, or do you want your tax dollars to help fund these people at a later date?"

Fox said: "The number one thing you have got to do is maintain what you have. The Proposition C rollback (waiver) will help us do that. Otherwise people will say if you can't take care of what you've got, why should we give you something new."

He said that for several years the school district has been channeling money to reduce class sizes and into the teacher's fund. As a result, "We are trying to maintain $45 million in buildings on about $200,000 a year. It just is not possible."

Hopkins said: "I think the elementary school is the number one priority. There is only so much you can do to a school before it is not usable anymore."

He supported the idea of closing Washington and May Greene as part of the plan. "Those two are costing a lot and falling apart," Hopkins said.

When asked about a lack of public trust in the board of education, Ruopp responded: "I'm not aware of any large degree of mistrust in the community. The board of education has done a pretty good job. We've balanced our budget. We plan on going to the public for more forums to get more input."

Walker said she believes the board should have a specific plan of action for areas of concern like recurrent violence and high drop-out rates. "People will have a better outlook," she said.

Fox, Hopkins and Naeter suggested added communication and public disclosure of information would help in building trust. "I think they should print the budget in the paper," said Fox.

He added that he has had trouble getting answers from the school board in the past.

Hopkins followed by saying "I like the idea of publishing the budget -- line items, and then ask them for ideas."

Naeter said, "Let people know where the money is being spent." He added that board members and school administrators should respond to requests for information in a timely manner. "If it takes too long," he said, "it looks like they are dodging the issue."

Candidates were asked to choose between spending additional money on higher teacher salaries or on reducing class size.

Hopkins opted for higher teacher salaries. "Happier teachers put more effort into making it work."

Naeter agreed. "If that's the only two places, I would use it for higher salaries to keep people happy who are already working. It's also possible higher salaries would attract more people to the profession."

Ruopp said a recent survey of 260 Cape Girardeau teachers revealed that lowering class size was their top priority. "Salaries was midway down the list," he said.

Walker said, "I think with fewer children in the classroom, teachers can do a more effective job. I really feel the classroom size is a priority."

Fox agreed. "Teachers can educate the kids better if they have fewer kids in the classrooms."

In response to a question on the district's lack of racial balance among elementary schools, Ruopp said his choice has always been learning centers -- housing two grade levels at each school. However, none of the elementary schools are large enough to house two grade levels, he said.

Redistricting, a process already begun, seems to be the only other answer, Ruopp said.

Walker suggested cultural exchanges between May Greene, a school with predominately black students, and Alma Schrader or Clippard, schools with predominately white students.

"I don't think destroying complete neighborhoods is the answer," she said.

Fox said redistricting seems to be the best answer, and Naeter said the decisions will be tough. Hopkins joked that one really big elementary school could be the answer. "It's an extremely complex issue and will likely cause a lot of hard feelings," he said.