THREE FILE FOR CAPE SCHOOLS; CANDIDATES SEEKING THREE BOARD SEATS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Three persons filed for seats on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education Wednesday, the first day of filing.

Seeking three-year terms on the board are Patrick R. Ruopp and Gwen Bennett.

Seeking a one-year, unexpired term is Lyle A. Davis.

Candidates may file for the three-year terms now held by Ruopp and Johnny James. James has indicated he will not seek re-election.

The one-year seat was vacated by Benjamin Lewis, who is now Division III associate circuit judge.

Filing remains open through 5 p.m. Jan. 29.

Ruopp, 1640 Oxford, announced his intention to file for re-election to the board earlier this week and was the first to file Wednesday. A Cape Girardeau dentist, Ruopp is seeking his fourth term on the board.

Bennett, 2407 Brookwood, also filed Wednesday morning for a three-year term on the board.

This marks Bennett's first run for public office.

"I'm the mother of four school-aged children," she said. "That's a pretty good reason to be interested in the school board."

She has children attending Cape Central High School, L.J. Schultz Middle School and Alma Schrader Elementary School.

Bennett said her experience as a mother and also as a public school teacher have helped prepare her for a seat on the school board.

"I'm a teacher, although I'm not currently teaching. I think once you've been in the profession you always have an interest in schools," she said.

She has worked with Project Charlie as a teacher. The program teaches children decision-making skills and works to boost self-esteem.

"I have a particular interest in children and education," she said. "Those are my strongest qualities for the position on the school board.

"I have a vested interest in children."

Bennett served on an athletic task force studying the district's extracurricular activities.

"Having been on the task force," she said, "I realized how much there is to learn about the business end of running a school. We as the general public don't always realize that. If I'm elected, I'll be anxious and open to learn about those things."

Bennett said the fact that the district is in the process of hiring a new superintendent presents a challenge to the board.

"I think there really are some big challenges ahead with someone new coming in," Bennett said, "and the fact that we are a growing community and have crowding in some of our schools. And we have the challenge all districts are facing in the '90s financially. These issues will all need to be met."

Bennett continued: "I don't have any real strong area of interest. I have no strong, personal goals as far as being on the board. I see a lot of change ahead. I hope to acquire information so we can make the best decisions."

Bennett, and her husband, Michael, have lived in Cape Girardeau 15 years, moving here from Kansas City.

She holds a degree in education and taught in the Kansas City and Columbia Public Schools.

In addition to her work with Project Charlie, Bennett is active with St. Andrew Lutheran Church and the PEO, and has been involved with Girl Scouts.

"Most of my time has been spent with volunteer activities," she said. "I've been a PTA officer and room mother."

Davis, 1223 Rockwood, filed for the one-year term.

"My whole reason in running is to provide competent direction for the Cape Girardeau school district," Davis said. "I believe my experience in business and with various boards and working with people all my career have prepared me for this position."

Davis said he chose the one-year term because he supports candidates already seeking the three-year terms.

"I feel like there are some good people running for the school board," he said, "and I want to be a part of that."

Davis was a member of the athletic task force.

"That got me interested," he said, "although I've followed the school board for several years.

"I feel I can provide a strong voice and can provide a lot of input. There are some good people on the board now. I would like to provide continued strong leadership."

Davis said the financial crunch many districts are facing is one of the most important issues the Cape Girardeau school board must deal with.

"I believe we need to look for creative sources of funds," he said. "If we are going to educate our children, we need to do a good job, and that takes money."

He said recommendations by the athletic task force should also be considered by the board.

"As a member of the task force, we examined the athletic department as a part of the educational process," Davis said. "I consider it an important part.

"I don't want to single athletics out more than scholastics," he continued. "But like any other part of growing up and educating one's children, athletics is a part."

He said recommendations made by the task force and accepted by the school board should be acted upon. "Not very much has transpired," he said.

Davis is general manager of The Trane Company in Cape Girardeau.

Davis lives in Cape Girardeau with his wife, Robin. He moved here 10 years ago from Lawrence, Kansas. Davis' stepson attends Cape Central High and his daughter attends high school out of state.

He is a member of the Lion's Club board of directors, Centenary United Methodist Church and the Central High School Booster Club board of directors.

He is active in fund raising for the American Cancer Society and with the Cancer Society's annual gala.

Also on the April ballot is a proposition to detach a parcel of land from the Jackson School District and bring it into the Cape Girardeau district. The property belongs to John and Jerre Hall.