SUPPORTERS PARRY CLARK'S DETRACTORS

Enough is enough.

That was the sentiment that spurred Sharon Sterrett and Becky Kies to begin a campaign in support of besieged Cape Girardeau Superintendent of Schools Neyland Clark.

A group seeking Clark's ouster recently began circulating petitions asking the school board to sever Clark's contract.

The group cited a bungled commencement procedure this year and the superintendent's alleged aloof attitude in the aftermath of the uproar it caused as reasons for seeking his dismissal.

Tonight, the Cape Girardeau School District Board of Education will hold a special meeting to discuss the petitions.

But Sterrett and Kies, both active members of Cape Girardeau parent-teacher associations, say the group's anti-Clark feelings aren't shared by all.

"We began calling people, asking that they write letters to the school board office in support of Dr. Clark," said Sterrett. "And if they didn't have time to write letters, we prepared a list of Dr. Clark's accomplishments since coming to the district that people could sign and mail into the board office."

The aim was to let school board members know before tonight's meeting that Clark has many supporters. "It's not just a one-sided matter," said Sterrett.

Kies, a member of the PTA council when the first of two recent bond issues was drafted, countered the claims of one Clark opponent, Brenda Dohogne, who said Clark ignored the PTA council's opposition to the bond proposal.

But Kies said the council unanimously supported the bond issue in 1993. "There was not a single voice of dissent," she said.

Kies called Dohogne after her comments appeared in the Southeast Missourian last week.

"I don't think it's right for one person to speak for an entire council like that," Kies said. "Especially when that person doesn't remember the facts."

But Sterrett and Kies aren't out to refute each of the claims lodged against Clark by his critics. They intend to concentrate on the superintendent's accomplishments.

"I truly feel that some of the allegations being made against Dr. Clark are personal attacks, not professional ones," said Sterrett. "There are people who say that the most recent bond issue did not pass because of Clark. I really have to take issue with that."

Sterrett said the school board sets policy, not Clark. Therefore, he shouldn't be held solely accountable for its decisions.

"Speaking as a parent involved with my children's education, Dr. Clark was always there for us," Kies said. "Although I have to admit I didn't always agree with him, Dr. Clark was very supportive of parent issues and was always there to listen."

Kies called Clark a "visionary," who has opened the district to the community. "That's where it belongs."

Supporters of Cape Girardeau Superintendent of Schools Neyland Clark compiled a list of some of his accomplishments as head of the district. Among other things, the supporters say that under Clark's leadership, the district has:

- Reviewed, updated and revised the school board policy manual.

- Adopted a mission statement for the district.

- Adopted a five-year financial plan.

- Computerized student scheduling, attendance and grading.

- Maintained a balanced budget for the past three years.

- Saved $400,000 on administrative costs for the school insurance program.

- Attained the Practical Parenting Partnership grant.

- Received a $30,000 grant for the implementation of a Reading Recovery program.

- Backed the A-plus school grant, making Cape Girardeau one of 37 school districts in the state to receive money.

- Posted Drug Free-Gun Free signs throughout the district.

- Established long-term disability for non-vested teachers.

- Began the district's Earthquake Awareness Program.

- Implemented performance-based evaluations for classified personnel.

- Hired a human resources director for the district.

- Established a tuition reimbursement plan for all staff members seeking to further their education.

- Increased pay for sick days.

- Saved the district $42,000 with the reduction of two fleet school buses.

- Established an AIDS and HIV/communicable disease policy.

- Implemented a smoke-free, drug-free school policy.

- Computerized library services.