SCHOOL DISTRICT AIMS TO RENEW, UPGRADE

Retreats are good opportunities to refocus priorities. Such was the case when the Cape Girardeau Board of Education gathered on a recent Saturday morning.

The board went to work to map out immediate goals and priorities. Members are also learning to work with a new man at the helm. Dr. Dan Steska was a key player in the retreat as he takes over the superintendent's position July 1.

Two of the top goals set by the board include competitive salaries for district employees and improving the district's image in the community. Both will be welcomed by community and employees.

Let's refresh our memories on the pay issue, which has been a real sore point among teachers:

Budget constraints meant no pay raise for teachers last year. The district was forced to cut just over $600,000 from its budget last June to build balances dwindling below state standards. Just weeks after the cuts, the district learned its final state payment was larger by hundreds of thousands of dollars. But the district decided to route the extra dollars into the balances and not undo any of the cuts.

Recently, the school board eliminated a second prep period for secondary school teachers. Cape Girardeau was one of the few districts with a second prep period, and possible elimination has been discussed for years. But the decision may have seemed ill-timed by many teachers who were still coping with salary freezes and low morale.

As a result, Cape Girardeau has lost a number of good teachers to other districts. Its base salary is also lower than some other schools including some smaller districts. The board needs to take a serious look at salaries to keep the district competitive. Quality education requires quality teachers.

Trust between the school district and the community has also been a bumpy road at times. The community enthusiastically supported the district's bond issue in 1997. But the subsequent elementary boundary dispute and other issues have eroded community confidence.

It is good that the board address the matter head on. Community consensus and trust are essential for the district to pass a second bond issue to finance a new high school. Make no mistake about it: Improving the district's image goes hand and hand with another goal of laying the foundation for passage of the second bond issue.

The district has embraced the slogan "Renew the Vision -- Maintaining the Mission" for the 1999-2000 school year. With these goals and a new superintendent, the board should be well-prepared for the challenges.