SCHOOL CONTINUES BREAKFAST PROGRAM

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education voted Tuesday to continue a school breakfast program at May Greene Elementary School.

The board also gave the go-ahead to expand the program to other elementary schools when the logistics of providing breakfast are worked out.

A pilot breakfast program was held at the school in April and May. Richard Bollwerk, director of elementary education, said the program was successful and recommended continuing it at May Greene next year.

About 50 percent of the students eligible for free breakfasts participated in the program.

When the expected federal reimbursement for the program and other income from selling breakfasts was compared to the district's expenses, the program ended its two-month trial period $636 in the black.

At the meeting, the board also amended its agreement with the Professional Black Men's Club for the "Grow Your Own" project. Through the project, talented minority students will be identified and encouraged to become teachers.

The new agreement states that the district will "interview and give the strongest consideration for employment to the minority youth as a teacher if a vacancy exists in the area of certification."

The agreement had previously said that the district "guaranteed" employment to these minority students.

The board also agreed to restructure the salary schedule for school secretaries.

James Englehart, interim superintendent, said several years ago the first five steps of the schedule were eliminated to make starting salaries more appealing. In essence, this caused the salary schedule to be only 15 steps instead of 20. The board directed him to expand the schedule to 20 steps.

In other business:

The board awarded a two-year depository contract for school district funds to Boatmen's Bank.

The board discussed briefly the swimming pool bubble, which was removed May 29. Larry Dew, business manager, said the bubble can be used at least one more year, but will need to be replaced soon. Replacement cost is estimated at between $120,000 and $125,000.

The board will hold its annual retreat July 26-28 at the Executive Inn in Paducah, Ky.

At the beginning of the next school year, the district will have a smoke-free policy. All students, staff and visitors will be prohibited from smoking on the campuses.

The board heard reports about a study of "pull-out" programs and the district's MMAT scores.

The board approved a list of 1991 Central High School graduates.

A tax rate and budget hearing will be held prior to the Aug. 13 board meeting.

Dew was appointed board secretary and Elsie Siebert was appointed board treasurer.