CAROLYN KELLEY LEAVES MARK ON CAPE SCHOOLS

The direction of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools has been shaped in part these last eight years by Carolyn Kelley. First elected to the board in 1984, she was re-elected twice. She led the board as its president for a number of years.

But Thursday marks her last day as a member of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education. She has resigned her position because her family is relocating to Little Rock, Ark. The district and its patrons owe a debt of gratitude to Kelley for her efforts to better our school system.

Serving on a public board is often a thankless task. There is no pay, and the rewards come from seeing policies improve the organization.

Kelley helped to orchestrate many improvements in the district. Topping the list were her push for lower class sizes, her leadership in a successful tax referendum in 1988, and her drive to bring an expanded middle school to the city. She also helped put the wheels in motion for more extensive strategic planning in the district.

That's not to say her eight years were all smooth sailing. Removal of the former superintendent and changes in sports policies and personnel stirred strong feelings in the district. But through times of controversy and celebration, the Cape Girardeau Public Schools have remained a first-rate operation.

The programs and personnel she helped bring to the district will help her influence live on in the school system. That includes Superintendent Neyland Clark, who began his duties last summer.

Kelley hopes that one of her top priorities bringing the middle-school concept to Cape Girardeau will stay alive. She has helped to plant an important seed in the district. Whether it stands the test of time may depend greatly on state and local finances in the years ahead. But there's no doubt the intensive study of our middle school program has been helpful for the district.

Kelley's one-year unexpired term on the board will be filled by the voters in April. It's good the board decided to leave the decision to the will of the people, rather than appointing a replacement. Candidates have until Feb. 4 to file. Hopefully, the new board member will bring as much enthusiasm and dedication to the job as Kelley.

This school board veteran will leave behind a quality school district. The fact Cape Girardeau's schools have continued to flourish despite hard financial times is a tribute to all its teachers, staff, administrators and board members ... and that includes Carolyn Kelley.