JACKSON DISTRICT LOOKS TO COMMUNITY FOR IDEAS

The Jackson School District is grappling with the loss two school funding measures April 4. But it seems the district and its board is regrouping in the right way. It is calling upon the public for cooperating and advice, and the board is looking for ways to address concerns brought up by patrons as a way to build communication and trust.

Last week, board members listened to suggestions of parents regarding the board's handling of the funding measures. Those in the audience at the board meeting suggested community meetings be held to better explain the funding proposals and address concerns and questions.

A new board member, Brent Wills, also suggested the district prepare a comprehensive financial report, because growth and finances are tied together.

These ideas are meaningful because Jackson will have to do something about its overcrowding problem. The district is growing at a rate of 3 percent a year, and several of its elementary schools are already at capacity. The district, with an overall enrollment of 4,482 students, is out of classroom space at most buildings.

The board also took an important step, from the standpoint of community confidence, when it tightened club and sports eligibility requirements this past week. This came in response to a well-attended meeting last fall in which parents and patrons questioned the continued participation of a football player who was on probation.

The new guidelines are based upon minimum eligibility requirements of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Southeast Missouri Activities Association. Beginning next year, parents or guardians must sign a document that outlines these guidelines. In this way, everyone should be familiar with the guidelines in case questions are raised again.

A major point of the revised policy is the fact a student's conduct both in school and out of school will influence his or her standing in school activities. No longer will it be limited to activities during the school day.

Another key clause says students may continue to participate in activities until criminal proceedings are resolved, they've entered a guilty plea, or "other strong evidence available to school officials indicates that the student in fact committed the offense." Then, the school may suspend or end the student's participation.

Other schools should take notice of Jackson's action and even consider adopting or publicizing their own set of student eligibility guidelines.

Most parents and patrons want accountability, responsiveness and openness from their schools. Jackson's response to its recent school funding loss should go a long way to opening the lines of communication and building trust.