MEADOW HEIGHTS SQUABBLING LEAVES WOUNDS, QUESTIONS

The Meadow Heights School District in western Bollinger County has been the focus of considerable scrutiny in recent years.

In March 1994 a citizen petition drive spurred a state audit of school finances. No serious wrongdoing was found.

Now, a three-pronged investigation has been launched by Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Hopkins into school matters.

Hopkins says it is time to settle things at Meadow Heights. These are wise words. District officials and board members -- and district patrons -- must work to quiet the discord and accusations. This continuous controversy isn't good for the district, and it certainly isn't good for the students.

Special prosecutor Ian Sutherland is investigating the transfer of $300,000 in school money from a Bollinger County bank to two Cape Girardeau County banks. He hasn't found any criminal activity and has chosen not to file any charges at this time.

Another focus of the investigation involves whether school board members who knew about the money transfer committed any crimes. Attorney General Jay Nixon is also looking into the legality of the election of Junior Cook to the school board, since he already serves as a member of the Bollinger County Commission.

Both the audit and current investigations were prompted by complaints from a Meadow Heights school board member, Millie Yates.

Authorities have taken allegations of fiscal mismanagement seriously -- first with the audit and then with this newest round of investigations. But district patrons need to make sure the allegations merit investigation. Charges must move beyond any personal agendas to warrant inquiry.

Last year's audit, which found no evidence of serious wrongdoing, cost the small school district more than $5,600. Some procedural changes were suggested to correct minor bookkeeping inconsistencies. The audit was the district's third in 14 months.

A school district's books are open records, and officials should welcome close scrutiny by both the public and board members. But continued investigation with no evidence of wrongdoing may border on harassment.

Last Monday's school board meeting indicated that matters have gotten out of hand. The crowd of 40 included a Bollinger County Sheriff's Department deputy. He was there because a quarrel broke out at the last meeting between a parent and a teacher. Three video cameras and at least three audio tape recorders documented the proceedings. This isn't an atmosphere that facilitates trust and understanding.

This intensive interest demonstrates real concern by Bollinger County residents in the school district and quality of education children receive. But energies need to be refocused in a more positive spirit.

These investigations and audits follow a financially rough period for the district. After a proposal to increase taxes failed in 1992, the district slashed $106,000 from its budget, eliminating the entire art program, high school vocational agriculture as well as softball and baseball. A number of positions were eliminated, and three teachers were dismissed.

A vote to restore funding that was cut by a statewide rollback in school taxes was overwhelmingly approved by voters in the fall of 1993, and the programs were restored in the 1994-95 school year.

If things are wrong, the board and district need to work together to make changes. This continued infighting will only tear the district apart. It is time to put the children first.