SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION ENJOYING BOOM TIME

This week marks a return to classes for many area students. Southeast Missouri State University gears up Monday, and Cape Girardeau's public schools starts next Wednesday.

There's plenty of excitement and some trepidation as the new school year begins. For many families, the start of school marks a return to a busier, but more ordered, schedule.

In addition to new faces, students returning to school will notice new surroundings under construction. This signals a continued bright future for education in this region.

Consider these projects currently under way:

-- Jackson is constructing a new South Elementary School off Highway 25 near Gordonville. The school is set for completion in the summer of 1998. In addition, North Elementary School, off Highway W near Fruitland, is nearing completion of a major construction project. Seven new classrooms were added and other rooms were renovated. Work has also begun on a math and science building at the high school.

-- Eagle Ridge Christian School is building a $1.2 million high school. It is located a mile west of I-55 on the north side of Route K. Construction began in February.

-- Notre Dame is constructing a 101,500-square-foot high school off Route K just west of Cape Girardeau. Work began in June. The $6 million project is targeted for completion in September 1998.

-- Construction has just begun on a new middle school in Scott City. The $843,000 building should be completed next spring. The middle school will house sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

-- The Cape Girardeau district is likely to break ground next month for its first new school building in three decades. Dirt work for a new elementary school at the corner of Sprigg and Bertling could begin in late September.

In addition, construction on a new vocational-technical school should also begin this fall. It will be located just east of I-55 and south of the new bridge access route. A new high school is planned on the same 75-acre site.

These school projects reflect generous parents and businesses throughout the region.

Southeast Missouri certainly realizes the importance of a quality education. With these new school buildings both under construction and on the drawing board, public and private education can expect a bright future in this region.