GIFT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL SHOWS `ACTIVE' CONCERN

Interested individuals have launched a campaign to raise money to purchase a new floor for the Cape Girardeau Central High School gymnasium. The new floor, set to replace a synthetic surface installed before the building's opening in 1977, would be wooden, a more durable and safer material, say proponents. We commend these folks for the investment they want to make in a public facility; with school budgets the way they are, this is the only way improvements of this type can be made quickly.

Led by Kermit Meystedt, who signed a line of credit so the project could be completed before the beginning of the school year, the fund drive aims at raising $75,000, which would cover the cost of the new floor. Two weeks ago, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education, properly grateful, accepted the gift. Persons who want to make a tax-deductible contribution can call Meystedt at 335-2275.

It is important to note the circumstances that make an effort like this necessary. The school board meets in retreat today in Jefferson City and will study in depth the district's financial situation. One thing apparent to all members is that there isn't a lot of loose money around ... and replacement of a gymnasium floor is probably some distance down a capital improvements priority list. What Meystedt and others did was say, "We know you don't have the money, but the job needs doing, so we'll pay for it." In the parlance of modern advertising, "Just do it."

This is not exactly a new concept. Various extra-curricular activities at Central, from athletics to band, have booster organizations. Citizen contributions are still being sought to restore the Central auditorium. In recent years, a citizen led an effort to acquire an electronic baseball scoreboard at the Central diamond. There are simply some improvements at the public schools that the district finances can't accommodate; in such cases, citizens can come to the aid of the district.

Ultimately, what Central will end up with is a much improved facility that will benefit the entire student body and the community. (Anyone who has seen the revamped Sikeston Field House in the last year and the dramatic change a new wooden floor made in that venue will realize that the local gymnasium can be a real showplace.) We applaud those individuals who are willing to help the district in this way, who see a need and take action rather than just grousing about conditions they disapprove of. More citizen efforts of this nature would be welcome.