SCHOOL RANKING IS A PLUS

Americans are constantly being surveyed, prodded and polled. These studies can reveal much about our attitudes and cultural trends. But the abundance of these rankings can also blur the good, the bad and the ugly.

One recent educational survey snared local attention. Conducted by a nationwide business magazine, it ranked 600 school districts across the nation. The Cape Girardeau School District was among 15 districts ranked in Missouri. It district finished fifth in the state.

Expansion Management magazine's editors are the same folks who release the annual "Best Places to Live" survey. That study is based on a population base larger than Cape Girardeau's.

The ranking of school districts is a thoughtful one that takes into account a myriad of factors: graduation rates, average college board scores, average teacher salaries, the amount of money spent per pupil on instruction, student-teacher ratios and the community's average level of education and income.

A score of 100 was considered average, 125 exceptional. Cape Girardeau's ranking was a not-too-shabby 116.7 -- interestingly enough a tie with Kansas City, which has considerably higher district revenue.

Topping the list for Missouri were Chesterfield, St. Charles, Columbia and Jefferson City. Finishing behind Cape Girardeau were Kansas City, Blue Springs, St. Peters-Ft. Zumwalt, Independence, Lee's Summit, Mehlville, Springfield, Joplin, St. Louis and St. Joseph.

The magazine says its survey helps companies who are considering expansion or relocation to discover the best-educated potential work force.

The ranking won't move mountains. But it doesn't hurt to earn praise from outside sources. It just confirms what we have known all along -- Cape Girardeau is a good place to live and earn a quality education.