NEW SUPERINTENDENT HAS HIS WORK CUT OUT FOR HIM

Dr. Neyland Clark of Sherpherdsville, Ky. will lead the Cape Girardeau Public Schools as its new superintendent.

We welcome Dr. Clark to our community. His good-natured manner and innovative ideas are appealing. His "team" approach promises to involve the staff in changes that may await the district. We feel he is a good choice, and we're not alone. Feedback from staff and community to the board rather overwhelmingly favored Clark.

The board should be commended for its exhaustive and open search. The finalists' qualifications spoke well for the selection process.

Shortly after accepting the job Thursday night, Dr. Clark said he planned to do a lot of listening and learning. His words hold much wisdom.

Since the board decided not to rehire the current superintendent last March, there has been little action on major issues. Actions lagged as the board waded through the application process. That's natural. A new leader will no doubt affect the direction of the district, so it's good the board waited on these important matters.

Accordingly, Dr. Clark will arrive with a pretty full plate. But he is right to take things slowly and concentrate on learning about the district and the community. At this point, there's no reason to hurry through these important decisions.

What's at the top of the list?

For one thing, the sheer age of district buildings. The average school building is 47 years old. Washington and Schultz buildings are both 77 years old. May Greene is 70. Other buildings are also in need of attention: Franklin, 64 years; Central High, 40 years; Jefferson, 33 years; Alma Schrader, 32 years; Junior High, 27 years; and Hawthorn and the vocational school, both 24 years old.

As the district considers new facilities, it will also have to address lopsided growth. Enrollment continues to grow in the north and west ends of town, creating overcrowding at some schools. The new superintendent may have to take a hard look at boundary lines. The district's boundaries haven't been changed since Lorimier closed a dozen years ago.

A middle school has been studied in the district for more than a year. Clark, who is well schooled in the use of middle schools, may be called upon to proceed with this concept. Many recommendations from the athletic task force are also awaiting action.

Of course, funding remains at the top of any priority list. The district's dwindling incidental fund balance may require the district to transfer money from its building fund. If state funding does not grow, the district may have to consider other local options. They also have a vested interest in the growing use of tax increment financing and enterprise zones.

Yes, Dr. Clark certainly has his job cut out for him as superintendent of the Cape Public Schools. But we're hoping he's the kind of leader who wouldn't have it any other way.