SCHOOL CHOICE COMMENTS WILL WAIT

Citing lack of information, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce has indefinitely postponed making any recommendations concerning legislation to start a school choice pilot program in the city.

Area lawmakers and chamber members have been unable to meet because of conflicting schedules, preventing the chamber from gathering needed information.

The issue has been sent back to the education committee, said John Mehner, chamber president. No schedule has been set for upcoming meetings.

The chamber's education committee had planned to meet with Rep. Mary Kasten and Sen. Peter Kinder March 29, but Kasten could not attend because of family conflicts.

Kasten is a co-sponsor of House Bill 1037, which defines the school-choice program. The proposed legislation would give families in Cape Girardeau the authority to choose which schools their child attends. It also targets schools in Kansas City and St. Louis.