CITY, SCHOOLS GET TOGETHER

The Cape Girardeau School Board and the City Council last week held the first of what is likely to be many joint meetings as planning efforts lead both the school district and the city toward major improvements designed to keep up with growth and high-quality services expected by taxpayers.

The informal meetings are a good way to share common concerns and goals. For example, city decisions that are likely to result in more development will, in most cases, produce more students from the district. By working together, both the city and the school district can law the best foundation for that growth.

The timing of the joint meetings is particularly crucial. Both the city and the school district face major capital improvements that will cost millions of dollars. The city is asking voters in November to approve a bond issue and sales tax for and extensive upgrade of the water system to meet future needs. The school district is working hard on a plan to upgrade facilities that is likely to include new schools and major renovations.

These efforts can be expected in a thriving community whose future is as bright at those who pave the way. Timely discussions between school and city official will go a long way to make the road smooth.