HIGH-QUALITY SCHOOLS HAVE TO BE PAID FOR

Two committees have been studying both the curriculum offerings and finances of the Cape Girardeau School District since the budget crisis in July. At that time, the board confronted $1 million in cuts from the operating budget.

The findings of these two advisory groups should come as no surprise to the parents and other taxpayers.

Cape Girardeau schools offer a diverse curriculum that is more extensive and expensive than other area schools the same size. The committee thinks this expanded course curriculum meets the expectations of the community.

The finance committee said the local budget is also larger, with more spent on salaries and benefits than Jackson, Poplar Bluff or Sikeston. Part of the reason is a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. Two planning periods at the high school level was also examined, since only one is offered at the elementary level. Poplar Bluff and Sikeston both offer only one planning period for high school teachers. Jackson, which has had two, is phasing this out with new teachers hired.

Both committees came to the same conclusion: More money is needed to maintain the current level of quality in the district. These additional dollars won't come from the state. Under the state's school-funding formula, Cape Girardeau has received few additional dollars in recent years. There is no indication that trend will change.

Both committees suggested the district take a long, hard look an operating tax rate increase. No doubt these groups of parents, business managers and other taxpayers don't make the suggestion lightly. Tax increases have had tough sells in the district.

But when taxpayers have seen the genuine need for the additional dollars, they have come through. Such is case with the 1997 campaign that raised the school tax levy for building projects. The result will be a new elementary school, new vocational-technical school, new high school and improvements to existing elementary schools. These improvements are sorely needed, and the result will be a better learning environment for students.

But that tax increase did nothing to aid the curriculum or staff. Teachers are still stinging from lack of a raise last year when budget cuts were made.

A decision about taxes isn't something the Board of Education should rush into. And continued community involvement in such a decision is crucial.

The committees have raised important issues. Perhaps it is time to consider another tax increase for critical needs in the Cape Girardeau School District.