SCHOOL BOARD TO HEAR LIBRARY REPORT

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education will meet at 6 tonight at Central High School.

The meeting, normally held at the junior high school, will be moved so board members can hear a presentation from librarian Julia Jorgensen regarding library changes and programs during the past year.

"We just thought if she were going to talk about that it would be nice to actually see what she's done," said Superintendent Dan Steska.

It is one of several presentations to be given each month during the board's educational highlights report.

"We try to take some aspect of the programming that's outstanding or unique and discuss that with the board," said Steska. "It's part of the board's goal for the year to focus on instruction rather than just management issues."

The board will hear updates on two planned construction projects. District architect Charlie Herbst will update the board on planned renovations to Franklin Elementary School, the last project included in phase one of the district's master plan to improve facilities.

The board also will hear a presentation from Regional Architects Coalition of St. Louis regarding construction of a new high school. The presentation is the second of at least three cost estimates the board will receive.

During a closed session, board members will hear a financial proposal to purchase May Greene Elementary School. Steska said if no acceptable offer is received soon, the district will consider demolishing the school.

Construction is nearing completion on Blanchard Elementary School, which is being built to replace the aging May Greene and Washington schools. Steska said staff are scheduled to move into the new school when the semester ends in mid-January.

The board agreed to sell Washington school to Southeast Missouri State University in November. Two groups submitted bids of $1 to purchase May Greene, but the board voted to have a real estate agent attempt to sell the building.

"If we don't get an acceptable offer, we are looking at demolishing the building," said Steska. "If someone would buy it and use it, I think that would be a better option."