LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: DON'T PUT STUDENTS IN THE CROSSFIRE

To the Editor,

As a member of the 1995 graduating class of Cape Central High School, I want to say that I feel that the honor of my graduation has been somewhat tarnished due to recent decisions made by the higher administration in the public school system.

Many nights, I have stayed up late in order to finish my homework, study for a test or simply comprehend a new concept. I did this so that I would be able to graduate. I knew that effort had to be put forth in order to obtain results and I was willing to make that effort. I can't say that I agree with the decision that was made on graduation because of the hard work that was put in by so many others; but it was made and it is now time to go on with life.

The main purpose of this letter is to voice my concern about the number of people who recently voted down a school bond issue. This rollback would have given the Cape Girardeau Public School System funds that are greatly needed in order to improve current building maintenance. While reading the paper this week, it seems that many people voted against the bond issue because they were upset with the administration.

What did this accomplish?

Nothing, because those of us who are still in school must continue to go into buildings that are somewhat structurally unsafe; those who did not complete all twenty-three credits for graduation will still be walking through the ceremony; and now St. Louis or Kansas City will be getting more money for their already enormous educational systems.

I would ask the voters of Cape Girardeau to think about who will be affected before they mark their ballots. If one doesn't like a decision made by the school board or a school board member, then vote for someone else when he or she comes up for re-election.

If one doesn't like something that has been said or done by Dr. Clark or the administration, then let them know through letters, phone calls, or tell a school board member. Please don't take out your frustrations on those of us who are trying to maintain a standard of excellence and we ask that help us maintain these standards by providing us with a favorable learning environment.

CAROLYN SMITH

Class of 1995

Cape Girardeau