PARENT QUESTIONS PROP B

Dear Editor:

I have to question parents' knowledge of Proposition B. Have you read it yourself or did you just hear what the media has been telling you? I suggest you read the fine print. I did and this is what I found.

Section 15.2 states the state board shall expend funds for ... school nurse program authorized by the state board of education. If Missouri wants to stay consistent with other states who have a similar program, this means abortion, condoms, AIDS and sexual reproduction will be introduced in kindergarten. At this time, teenagers do not need parental consent to have an abortion. The school nurse is aware of this at the time of counseling a pregnant teen.

Section 21.1: The definition of "alternative school" is a public school building within a district...to which a student is assigned by the district superintendent or by the actions of the local school board. So your child is at Clippard but the class size is too large. If the school board or superintendent deems necessary, your child will be assigned to another school. You thought you parents would have a choice of which school they attend. Look further down in that same section and see that an application procedure is followed. There are limitations depending on capacity of grade level, school building and education program.

What you thought was clear cut seems to be so ambiguous that it will take a lawyer and court to decide whose interpretation of Proposition B is correct. I don't have that kind of money nor time to fight the system.

Schools will not close if this is not passed. Programs will have to be dropped. They should never have implemented programs first and asked for payment second. Teachers may not get raises or take a cut. But, it is the state's obligation to provide education for your child without Proposition B.

Donna Miller

Cape Girardeau