LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT VIEWS VOTE

To the Editor:

I wish to respond to a question posed from one of the Missourian readers regarding the difference in the upcoming October school levy from the earlier request in April. Several factors are different and perhaps the following information will assist in your understanding of the school district's position.

First, the April effort represented the school district's attempt to raise the community's awareness of the tremendous needs related to the district's school buildings. The facility needs of the district are well documented and have, through the April effort, been effectively communicated to the general community. Second, most of our efforts to date have been dedicated to a smooth and organized school opening. Our attention has been very appropriately focused on the students we serve and fully communicating with our instructional and support staffs throughout the school district.

In reference to why an October vote and not a November election, I believe the October school district election is consistent with other school elections throughout the state. We are pleased, by not having to share the electoral ballot with any other issue.

The sensitivity of the Cape Girardeau Public School District, and specifically of the Board of Education, to the patrons and taxpayers of the community is reflected in the proposed October lease purchase levy. The Board of Education responding to the failed April proposal directed the administration to dramatically reduce the scope of the earlier proposed projects. This has been done by the reduction of approximately half of the original proposal to the community.

The 51-cent lease purchase levy for school construction is a 48-cent reduction from the request in April. The building project will provide for the construction of a middle school. The middle school organization currently is the best educational approach to meeting the unique needs of 10-14-year-old pre-adolescents. The construction of the middle school will also afford the opportunity for the district to eliminate all classroom trailers and other obsolete facilities. It will create additional space in the elementary schools and allow the district to begin to address class-size concerns. The construction proposal also includes an addition and remodeling to another elementary school with complete air conditioning being proposed for two elementary schools.

Unlike the other local bond issues the October issue is unique because of the recent passage of Senate Bill 380. This educational reform law offers the Cape Girardeau community the opportunity to retrieve some of its state tax dollars back to Cape Girardeau. By successfully passing the district's levy request for school construction the state's school funding formula will trigger the return of additional state dollars back to Cape Girardeau. The state formula will fund an additional $900,000 each year of state tax dollars to Cape Girardeau, which may be used to operate both existing and newly constructed facilities. Unfortunately, the opportunity for retrieval of state dollars being reported to us by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will only be available for a short time. However, the window of opportunity is open to us as a community now.

The children aren't the only ones who benefit from Cape Girardeau Public Schools' commitment to educational excellence. Some people may think school improvement has very little to do with them. But one result of school improvement is more jobs and a healthier economy. And when some people are living on a fixed income, being able to count on stable costs for products and services is a definite plus. There's only one requirement needed to benefit from Cape Girardeau Public Schools' improvement program. Living in Cape.

We respectfully request your support and your vote on Oct. 5, for the children and for the community.

NEYLAND G. CLARK

Superintendent

Cape Girardeau Public Schools