Scala's stability

When Dr. David Scala became superintendent of the Cape Girardeau School District in July 2005, there were major issues awaiting him. Chief among them was funding. Scala was fortunate to have arrived at a time when Missouri's economy was improving after several years of tight budgets that had squeezed dollars for public schools.

In addition to funding, there were some tough personnel decisions that had to be made. Even though some of them created a community backlash, Scala held to a firm and steady course.

And then there is the No Child Left Behind federal mandates and the Missouri Assessment Program state testing that have become such a big part of public school operations. Some schools in the district have struggled to meet improvement standards, but Scala's support for teachers and administrators in meeting those goals has never flagged.

Summing up Scala's soon-to-be three-year stint as superintendent, it can be said that he brought administrative stability at a time when the district sorely needed more focus on the mission of educating our youngsters. For that we thank him and wish him well in his future endeavors.