SCHOOL BOARD PONDERS CHANGES

There won't be any confusing bus schedules and half-day calendars to remember if Cape Girardeau kindergarten students attend classes all day next year.

Some Cape Girardeau schools could start the all-day program this fall, Dr. Richard Bollwerk, interim superintendent, said at a board of education meeting Monday.

Students who attend Franklin, Jefferson, Washington and May Greene Elementary schools might be eligible for the all-day kindergarten program. It would be funded through money designated by Senate Bill 380.

However, an all-day kindergarten is still in the planning stages so the board took no action.

Not every school in the district could participate in the all-day program because of space constraints, Bollwerk said, adding that it would get students off to a good start in reading and math.

Space constraints and building conditions at all the schools are a concern for board members, but first they need more information.

Before developing a strategic plan, the board is seeking public input through a series of public study sessions on finance, educational programs and buildings.

Anyone interested in serving on the buildings committee should call Dr. Dan Tallent or the board office at 335-1867.

However, Joyce Jenkins doesn't think the board listened to her complaints about alleged racial slurs and threats.

Jenkins wants the board to remove one of its members over a personal dispute, but the board has no legal authority to do so.

Jenkins left the board meeting Monday saying the issue wasn't over.

"I guess we need a new board and a new superintendent, if you think there was no wrongdoing," she said as she collected her papers and left the meeting.

Jenkins alleges that board member Terry Taylor threatened her son, Jonathan, who is dating Taylor's daughter, Sarah. Jenkins also said that Taylor made racial slurs against herself and her son. The first incident occurred in October.

The original complaint was investigated and no evidence was found to substantiate either side, said high school principal Dan Tallent.

Jenkins filed a complaint with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in February asking for Taylor's resignation. She discussed the issue at a board meeting then but declined an opportunity to meet in closed session.

Tallent reviewed the complaints in March when Jenkins filed a formal, written complaint with the school board. However, no new information was found.

Taylor denies the charges and said he will not resign.

"I'll be held accountable in two years during the elections," he said.

Board president Dr. Bob Fox said the board has no authority in this issue. "The board cannot force one of its own members to resign," he said.

School attorney Joseph Russell agreed, "There is nothing in the statues that I can find that gives the board the authority for the type of action you are seeking."

Before leaving the meeting, Jenkins said she will take the matter to the public because the board should be held accountable.