SCHOOL BOARD UNVEILS PLAN FOR NEW BUILDING

JACKSON -- They are far from final, but the Jackson Board of Education unveiled its plans for a new high school math and science building Tuesday night.

The board met with architect John Dudley Tuesday to discuss tentative building plans and designs.

No cost estimates for the project were revealed, however.

The proposed building, situated at Madison Street between Missouri and Russell streets, would connect via hallways to the existing high school buildings. It would include eight classrooms each for the math and science departments.

"Science and math are inseparable," said Superintendent Dr. Howard Jones. "It makes sense to combine the two."

As the district continues to grow, a new building could accommodate the growth, he added. Student enrollment for the entire district is projected to reach 4,700 by the year 2000.

A new science and math building for the high school was listed as a top need in a recent district facilities review report.

Expanding laboratory space could give the district more room for other classes like social studies or English, Jones said.

Other plans include moving the administrative offices to the addition and creating more space for a counseling/career center.

The school board did not approve the building plans Tuesday but will wait for more information. Board members are expected to approve a bond issue to be placed on the August ballot.

The bond issue also will address the cost of building another elementary school. A site for the school has not been chosen.

Constructing new buildings are part of future board projects, but repairing existing ones are current needs.

The board approved a list of capital improvement projects totaling $180,500 Tuesday.

The list includes adding air conditioning in classrooms, replacing floor tiles and bleachers in the Junior High School, remodeling the Junior High School Library and converting storage areas to teacher work space.

The projects are routine maintenance, Jones said, adding that the costs are estimated.

In other business, the board approved an agreement with the Cape Girardeau Office of Emergency Preparedness and American Red Cross to assist in transportation and shelter during natural disasters or emergencies.

A request by the Jackson Rotary Club was also granted. The club asked for permission to admit a non-resident foreign exchange student for the 1996-97 school year.

JACKSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m., Jackson Middle School Library

Action Items

- Approved agreement between Cape Girardeau Office of Emergency Preparedness and Jackson R-2 School District.

- Approved agreement between American Red Cross and Jackson R-2 School District.

- Approved capital projects for summer 1996.

- Approved request from Jackson Rotary Club for admission of a non-resident foreign exchange student for 1996-97 school year.

Information Items

- Report from technology advisory committee.

- Report from gifted education advisory committee.

- Update on facilities planning.

- Assistant Superintendent's report.

- Superintendent's report.

- Future agenda items.