SCHOOL NUMBERS SWELL

In another typical year in the burgeoning Jackson School District, 360 students entering high school next year will replace 260 graduating students.

Total enrollment for Jackson public schools is about 4,035, compared to Cape Girardeau public school's 4,413. Because the school district is so large -- 550 square miles -- most children who move into Cape Girardeau County end up at Jackson schools. It is estimated that next year Jackson will have about 4,240 students compared to Cape Girardeau's estimated 4,440.

Since the 100 extra students in the class of 1999 isn't an exception and classes of 300 students or less appear to be a thing of the past, voters in the Jackson district probably can look for another bond issue on the ballot soon.

It is a special problem for the district, which has had past success in passing bond issues that are financing a new grade school and middle school. From a larger perspective, the Jackson school growth is indicative of the vitality of Cape Girardeau County. Because the Cape Girardeau School District essentially is landlocked, countywide population growth won't necessarily be reflected in increasing Cape Girardeau enrollments. That Jackson is forced to struggle with considerable growth is testament to the county's rising population.

With that growth comes increased tax revenue for the county and for school districts in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, the region's retail and service hub.