VOTERS PLEDGE SUPPORT; SCHOOLS GET FIRST 1,000 YES VOTES

A group of Cape Girardeau kindergarten students showed off their skills with a paintbrush Monday: They painted the first two rows of bricks on a schoolhouse that tracks support of the school's upcoming bond election.

Each row represents pledges of yes votes from 500 people. The two rows painted red Monday represent the first 1,000 yes votes.

"I think this is excellent for such a short period of time," said Dr. Bob Fox, president of the Board of Education.

"I'll feel better when we have 4,500 more," said Dr. Dan Tallent, superintendent.

Research into past ballot efforts by the school district has shown that an estimated 5,500 yes votes are needed for a school issue to pass at the polls. As part of the campaign, pledges are being collected toward that goal.

The school house, situated outside the board office at 61 N. Clark, serves as a gauge of public support. As more yes votes are collected, more rows will be painted.

On April 1, voters will consider two school issues: sale of $14 million in bonds and waiver of the Proposition C rollback. Approval of both would cost taxpayers an additional 69 cents per $100 assessed valuation in property taxes.

The money would fund construction of a vocational-technical school and elementary school and upgrades at the district's other buildings. Washington and May Greene elementary schools would be closed.

Fox has been encouraged by positive comments he has heard concerning the master plan and upcoming ballot issues. "Most of what I hear is positive," he said. "People are saying, 'We need to move forward and pass this thing.'"

A committee outlining the campaign strategy is focusing on providing information and answers, said Dr. R. Ferrell Ervin, a school board member.

School representatives have been speaking to civic groups and parent-teacher associations. An informational brochure will be mailed to voters.

Three public meetings will be held in March for people who have questions or want more information. Meetings will be held March 3 at May Greene Elementary School, March 4 at Washington Elementary School, and March 10 at the Central Junior High School cafeteria. All three will start at 7 p.m.

Tallent said two phone lines will be established to provide answers to questions. People may call and leave a question on an answering machine, and someone will call back with an answer, he said.