JACKSON VOTERS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S OUTSTANDING REPUTATION

The Jackson School District is one of the best in the state, and it's no accident. Time and again voters have supported improvements to the district to the wonder and admiration of other districts across the state. When other schools were grappling with bond-issue failures, Jackson voters gave its district a green light to improve and expand.

On Tuesday, the district hopes this pattern of voter support continues. Voters will be asked to approve two measures that would raise school tax rates a total of 79 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Voters are asked to approve a $11 million bond issue for construction of an elementary school, an addition and renovations to R.O. Hawkins Junior High School and technology upgrades throughout the district.

A second proposal, called a waiver of the Proposition C rollback, is also on the ballot. In 1983, Proposition C, which was approved by Missouri voters, established a statewide one-cent sales tax for education. School districts were required to roll back their local levies to offset half the new revenue but in 1993 were allowed to restore those rolled back local levies if district voters approved. That's what Jackson is asking for now.

The proposals basically are about bricks and mortar. They would help alleviate overcrowding. The junior high was built for 650 students and accommodates 750. Next year's enrollment is expected to grow to 800. Overcrowding at elementary schools also has led to traffic congestion.

Jackson's top-notch reputation is the reason the school district is growing. Tuesday's proposals deserve continued support.