Cape's schools

A special Cape Girardeau School District committee has been evaluating buildings for several months. The likely result is a vote next April on a no-tax-increase $35 million bond issue that would address needs at all 10 of the district's buildings and other facilities.

One crucial decision is whether to renovate Franklin Elementary School, built in 1928 and the district's oldest of five elementary schools, or build a new school either at the current location or a new location.

Cost, it seems, would be the primary factor. Renovating Franklin and constructing a two-story addition to provide more classrooms, a kitchen and a cafeteria, would cost an estimated $8.5 million. Building a new school on the same site would cost an estimated $11 million.

A $2.5 million cost difference must be taken seriously. Any plan to spend more money on a new school would have to be justified in a way that appeals to voters who must approve any bond issue proposed by the district.

The district's facilities committee will meet again in August.

To read the minutes of the committee's previous minutes, go to the district's website, www.capetigers.com. Contact information for school officials and board members also is available on the website.