SCHOOL PROGRESS

Meadow Heights school district and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have set the record straight.

Last July, the school board discovered incorrect attendance figures were reported to the state from 1990 to 1992. At least 17 fictitious students were added to the attendance records. These inflated figures were used to calculate state funding for the school district in northern Bollinger County.

The state has determined the district owes $44,242 to the state, and the district can now start repaying its debt and close this unpleasant chapter.

This represents a sizable chunk of money to the school district. The state will allow the district to repay $30,572 and forfeit $13,670 in state money it would have received during the 1994-95 school year. The district and state are currently working out a payment schedule.

The district has been mired in controversy for several years. The turmoil culminated last July when Tom Waller resigned as superintendent after questions were raised about the inflated enrollment figures that had been sent to the state.

Meadow Heights chose Cheri Fuemmeler as its new superintendent last August, and the district has moved beyond many of its difficulties under her able leadership. Fuemmeler pledged to bring more positive feelings and community support to the district, and she has achieved that goal.

Repaying this money may prove difficult for the school district. But it will help the district put this particular controversy behind it. The board, faculty and community have done a good job refocusing their efforts on the business of educating students.