SCHOOL PLAN GIVEN ENERGETIC KICKOFF; ALMOST 600 ASSEMBLE TO SUPPORT PLROPOSALS

Whit Lynn, a sixth-grader at Clippard Elementary School, wasn't exactly bragging when he said his elementary building was the newest in the Cape Girardeau School District. It was built in 1965.

"Our principal was born about the same time it was built," he said.

His remarks drew a round of laughter but rang true as dozens of others explained why Cape Girardeau voters should vote yes April 1.

"The quality of our teachers and the quality of our students is second to none," said Mike Shivelbine, band booster club president. "What we have are some facilities that need to be replaced. That's something we as parents can do something about."

The remarks came Thursday at a rally and campaign kickoff that drew a crowd of almost 600 people to Central High School Auditorium. Organizers were elated and hoped Thursday's enthusiastic start to the campaign foretold a victory at the polls.

"Enthusiasm is power," said Melvin Gateley as he rallied the crowd to their feet.

Gateley is spearheading a drive to collect 5,500 pledges of yes votes for the April 1 issues. Analysis of past elections showed organizers that at least 5,500 yes votes are needed to pass a school issue in Cape Girardeau.

School board president Bob Fox predicted the yes votes would top 7,000.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling III, Chamber of Commerce President John Mehner, state Sen. Peter Kinder, state Rep. Mary Kasten and Chris Kitchen, a fifth-grader at Jefferson Elementary School, all gave their endorsements.

Kitchen said improvements outlined in a master plan would make an impact on his life. "I will want to go to school," he said.

Voters will be asked to approve two ballot issues -- sale of $14 million in bonds and waiver of the Proposition C rollback. Passage of the two issues would mean a 69-cent tax increase.

The money would fund the first phase of the district's new master plan. It includes construction of a vocational-technical school and elementary school and improvements at the district's other elementary schools. Washington and May Greene would be closed.

Those who attended the rally got a homework assignment: They were asked to fill out a card pledging their own support and to recruit other yes votes.

As yes pledges are turned in to the district office, an 11-foot schoolhouse will be painted to reflect the campaign's progress. The schoolhouse will be situated outside the district office at 61 N. Clark, so voters can see the progress.

"I think we are seeing a show of support for the master plan," said Dr. R. Ferrell Ervin, a school board member.

"We spent a whole year developing this and listening to what the community told us," he said. "I think tonight's response says, yes, we are on target."

Ervin said many parents who turned out Thursday to support the plan offered their help.

"This is tremendous," said Superintendent Dr. Dan Tallent. "I think this is an indication that people are interested in seeing improvements in our schools. I think we're going to make it."