JACKSON'S BONDS

The Jackson School District is bulging at the seams. And enrollment continues to grow steadily. Record-setting kindergarten enrollment and sprouting classes have been the rule, not the exception. In the last two years alone, the district has added 350 students.

By the year 2000, the district will likely become the largest in Southeast Missouri, edging out Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston. In the 1985-86 school year, total enrollment was 3,137. District enrollment is projected to grow to 4,754 in the next four years.

In response, the Jackson Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $7.8 million bond issue for a new elementary school and sorely needed additions at the high school and North Elementary School. The construction package is worthy of voter support.

High school enrollment has grown from 815 a decade ago to 985 in the past school year. The projected high school enrollment by 2000 is 1,157. That is a real load on a building constructed in the early 1920s.

The elementary enrollment has been growing even more rapidly -- from 1,341 students a decade ago to 1,806 this past year. All elementary schools are currently operating at capacity, and projected elementary growth for 2000 is 2,184. The additional elementary space will also provide room for all-day kindergarten.

School officials feel the new construction not only addresses quantity but quality. Both are fundamental issues.

While the overcrowding must be addressed, no doubt district officials will concede that a growing enrollment is a nice problem. Many districts are battling the problems of growing costs in the face of dwindling students. That makes bond issues are a lot harder to sell.

Some taxpayers will hesitate on spending the additional dollars.

But the additional cost is reasonable price to pay to ensure quality schools:

-- $15.20 a year for a home with a market value of $40,000.

-- $26.60 a year for a home with a market value of $70,000.

-- $38 a year for a home with a market value of $100,000.

The Jackson school district has been incredibly successful with its bond issues. Only one has failed. Two years ago, district voters approved a new middle school, which alleviated overcrowding at the middle school.

Jackson's success is due to well-thought out proposals and identifiable needs. It is no mystery that sharp student growth drives these recommendations.

Everyone looks for a bargain. But it is no bargain if the merchandise is second-rate.

This school district wants to ensure top-quality learning, and to do so it needs adequate facilities. It is harder to accomplish in mobile classrooms or overcrowded conditions. Voters should support Jackson's bond issue Aug. 6 at the polls.