PUBLIC, TEACHERS SHOULD TURN OUT FOR CANDIDATES

This marks an important week for the Cape Girardeau Public Schools and the community. The two superintendent finalists will visit the city, meeting with administrators, teachers and parents. Now is the time to offer input and ideas not after the decision is reached.

Public hearings will allow citizen input for Dr. Neyland Clark, superintendent at Sherpherdsville, Ky. on Wednesday; and for Dr. Shelton E. Smith, superintendent at Herculaneum, on Thursday. Both sessions will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Central High School auditorium.

Both men look good on paper and held up well during intensive board interviews. But now it's the public's turn to ask tough questions. Board members want to see how these men think on their feet, and respond to public pressure. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the finalists' interests and strengths. For example, both men are experienced in middle school settings - a concept that is being closely studied by this district.

The format will be similar to recent candidate forums; questions must be submitted in writing. At each meetings' end, the school board will also solicit written comments from the audience about the candidates. They're interested in frank, but fair, feedback.

The fact the meetings are on consecutive days will put a demand on both the public and teachers. It may be tough for interested persons to juggle schedules to attend both sessions. (Afternoon gatherings are scheduled each day for teachers.) But the importance of these meetings overshadows any inconvenience.

Granted, a school district's quality does not rest with one man. But a superintendent sets the tone for learning in a district. His style of leadership and innovation will filter down to each classroom. His recommendations will aid the school board in making important decisions on finances and curriculum in the years ahead.

This really marks the only opportunity for public input on the superintendent decision. School board members have said they will make their choice by April 1. That means the decision will come before the next regularly scheduled board meeting, and before the April 2 board election.

School board members deserve praise for their foresight in sharing this important decision with the public. They are not obligated to hold these hearings before the decision.

A large crowd at both hearings this week will demonstrate community interest in quality schools. The future of our children's education deserves no less.