LETTERS: LOOK AT WHOLE JACKSON P ICTURE, NOT FRAGMENTS

To the editor:

I have read with interest regarding the Jackson School District's land purchases over the years. The district has made many improvements to the high school campus over the past 10 years (multipurpose building, math and science center) all with the input of the community. The district has been a friendly neighbor and has acquired ground as it became available instead of setting a bond issue, using eminent domain and forcing individual property sales.

The East Jackson Elementary School has been discussed since the mid-1980s. I can remember going to Jackson Chamber of Commerce meetings in the mid-1980s where community input was sought and general plans by the district were discussed. The growth of the Jackson district will continue to be a challenge. Please take time to look at the whole picture of the district over many years instead of only fragmented issues.

It should also be noted that Jackson is one of the most efficient school operations when considering total educational costs per student in Missouri (over $1,400 per student below the state average and well below most schools in the area).

BRENT WILLS

Jackson, Mo.