PLANS FOR SCHOOLS

A community survey and series of public meetings should provide ample input for the Cape Girardeau Board of Education to devise a blueprint for the next five years.

The board will meet in a study session Monday to begin the next phase of its strategic planning. Curriculum, finances and buildings will no doubt be part of that process.

Interestingly enough, top priorities from the community survey and public meetings differ. That in itself indicates the outcome of the planning process was not predetermined -- a complaint about Project Partnership which ended in a failed bond issue in 1992. It is a credit to the process this time around.

More than 300 responses were received to the community survey. Respondents placed their emphasis on the basics, sound fiscal management, high academic standards and more discipline in the schools. Many of the survey's top priorities can be accomplished with little additional expense. That is good news.

New buildings -- which ranked first in the public meetings -- finished 23rd in the community survey. Many more people participated in the planning meetings, but many of them were also school employees. Obviously, they see the need for new buildings every day.

That doesn't mean a new elementary school isn't needed. But the board would be well advised to address several of these other priorities before putting a tax increase to a vote.

The board should be pleased that the survey and meetings elicited this level of response. It is obvious that people in Cape Girardeau care about the schools and have strong opinions.

In all fairness, the district has been through a rough couple of years. With a new board and new top administrators, the district seems to be back on an even keel. District patrons are looking for leadership and sound management in the schools. This will build trust, and in turn should lead to a winning bond issue down the road.