SCHOOLS ATTRACT MORE THAN THE ATTENTION OF STUDENTS

Schools attract more than the attention of young learners.

Potential newcomers, whether individuals or entire plants, often look to schools as barometers of prosperity in a town or neighborhood.

"They are part of what makes up your quality of life, which is extremely important for relocating businesses as well as start-up businesses," said John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, the quality of the schools or the perception of the education system can make the difference in home purchase choices, real estate professionals say.

"When people are being transferred, they often have the option of coming to this area or going to another area," said Martha Hamilton of Key Realty. "One question they ask, especially if there are school age children involved, is about the quality of the schools," said Hamilton.

That's where data can play an important role.

"The more information people have, the better they feel about the schools in the area," she observed. However, she noted, the need to know is not limited to home buyers. "Industries use information on the schools as a criteria to determine where they want to locate."

That's one area where the diversity of Cape Girardeau's educational systems can play a significant role. Mehner said the many educational opportunities available in Cape Girardeau are an important strength.

"Along with the public school system, we also have a private system. Many small areas don't have that option," he said. "We're extremely lucky, we have good reputations in both the public and the private schools."

But the options don't stop there, the president of the chamber stressed. "It's tremendous what we have to offer because of the university and the vocational school," he noted.

Progressive programs and facilities are other features noticed by potential newcomers, said Charles C. "Bud" Leming of Century 21 Ashland Realty. "That can be a determining factor as to which city to live in or to which school system to live in within the city."

However, questions about schools are not restricted to persons of child-rearing age. Resale value is typically an important factor on the minds of home buyers, said David Glastetter of ERA Cape Realty.

Six years is the average amount of time a home buyer will remain in a home before moving, he indicated. "Anytime somebody is purchasing a house, they're looking down the road to the date they're selling that property," he said.

Hamilton said some commonly asked questions by persons considering relocation include the topics of student-teacher ratio, programs, the dollar amount spent per pupil and the age of facilities.

"I've had people come in to town and go around and talk to principals at various elementary schools," she added.

Hamilton, Glastetter and Leming agree that Cape Girardeau area schools are respected.

"Throughout the entire area, the school systems seem to have a very good reputation for education," Leming said.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1990 figures put the number of at or near school-age children ages 5-17 in Cape Girardeau County at 10,510. Approximately 5,204 of that number resided within the Cape Girardeau city limits.