OLD NOT ALWAYS BAD

Last week, a brick facade collapsed on the roof of L.J. Schultz School. It isn't the first such incident at the overcrowded, aging structure.

In 1992, a portion of the cafeteria roof caved in. In 1987, Schultz's south wall separated from the rest of the building. The wall was rebuilt for about $45,000, but it is obvious the 81-year-old structure needs more than a quick fix.

The Cape Girardeau School Board plans to hire a structural engineer to complete a thorough inspection of the building. Some say the old school might not be worth repairing. Unfortunately, the prospect of voters' approving a bond issue to pay for a new building, or even to pay for extensive repairs for existing schools, is uncertain. Voters have rejected three bond issues in the past decade alone.

Certainly a careful inspection of the building is needed. But school officials shouldn't assume the building must be replaced simply because it is old.

Built in 1937, Lorimier School on Independence Street was closed in the mid-1970s because of declining enrollments. The city bought the building for $200,000, spent another $100,000 to $200,000 to renovate the structure and, in 1978, moved City Hall into the former school. There has been some remodeling since, but old Lorimier School continues to serve well City Hall's purposes.

On the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, few buildings are older than the Magill science building. And yet Gov. Carnahan has put $4.5 million into his budget not to replace, but to renovate Magill.

Obviously, something has to be done about Schultz school. In 1992, a structural engineer recommended an extensive structural survey, which was rejected by the school board. The board opted instead to pursue a bond issue that failed.

It remains to be seen whether repairs are feasible or if a more complete renovation, as was done to the school in the 1950s, is preferable. But old doesn't necessarily mean dilapidated, and school officials should explore all possibilities.