SCHOOL FINANCES DISCUSSED

While students in Cape Girardeau schools study the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, their parents are studying a more complex subject -- school finances.

Analyzing current district spending, finding additional funding sources and cutting unnecessary spending were top concerns at a Vision Planning meeting attended by about 20 people Monday night.

The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Clippard Elementary School.

School finances is the last topic in the series of meetings. The school district is developing a five-year strategic plan.

While cutting unnecessary spending is important, some parents want a more efficient use of the school's funds.

"There's not an efficient use of money and there never will be until it's competitive," said Ken Schaefer.

He wants parents to have a choice about where their children attend school. The concept is similar to an educational voucher program.

There are no options for parents under the current system. "It's decided when you buy a house," he said.

Because Cape Girardeau schools are locally funded by property tax revenues, changing the funding formula could mean a change in state law. The current tax rate is set at $2.88 per $100 of assessed property value.

One suggestion for additional sources of revenue is to use a sales tax or earning tax to help support schools. Seeking private or corporate sponsors was also suggested.

People have lost a sense of ownership in the schools, said Rhonda Zeilinger, who favors educating the public about school finances by publishing financial statements and detailing spending habits.

About 80 percent of the district's $22 million budget is used for staff salaries, the largest expense.