SCHOOL HOPEFULS GIVE IDEAS

JACKSON, Mo. -- Jackson school board candidates Kevin Schaper and Donna Tidwell won't support a levy increase without a thorough review of the district's spending, they told about 50 people at a school board candidate forum Monday night at the Jackson Middle School.

Incumbent Gerald Adams and challengers Tidwell, Schaper, Mack Illers, James Woeltje and Tom Liebeknecht are vying for two board positions in the April 3 election. Incumbent Vicky McDowell isn't seeking re-election.

Schaper is concerned the district is building and spending money without a plan, and if elected, would work to improve the district's finances and communication with patrons.

Tidwell said the board is "spending us into a financial hole," adding: "I think we have to look at where our money is being spent."

Adams said the board must hold "listening sessions" to solicit opinions on raising the operating levy.

"I believe the board needs to be open with the public," said Liebeknecht.

Woeltje said school spending and programs need to be reviewed. "What do we have now that we can do without?" he asked.

Illers could support a tax increase "as long as the money goes for education." He said, "Teachers need a raise. They have families to feed."

The candidates also discussed a new high school.

Illers wants to wait for a district feasibility study while Adams thinks the district could expand the high school without building a new one. He said it isn't feasible because it would cost $28 million to $30 million and put the district over its debt limit.

Liebeknecht said the district needs to buy land to build a new high school.

Schaper and Tidwell said board should stop buying land around the high school until a final decision is made.