SCHOOL SOLUTIONS REQUIRE A TEAM EFFORT

Negativity has a way of feeding on itself. That is one reason why the current budget crisis facing the Cape Girardeau School District is so worrisome. Proposed budget cuts have fueled bickering among the ranks. Parents are concerned about what programs may be cut as the district works to tighten its belt.

The Board of Education is looking for workable solutions as a way to rebuild the district's momentum. This process involves taxpayers, teachers, staff, administrators and board members.

The school district has made quite a turnaround in the last two years since staff morale and patron confidence hit rock bottom. Since then, Cape Girardeau voters have approved the first bond issue and accompanying tax increase in many years. Plans call for two new elementary schools to be built along with a new vocational-technical school and high school. Other buildings will receive long overdue renovations. To accomplish all of this, voters will have to approve yet another bond issue.

The momentum for the district has kicked into high gear. But the enthusiasm may be dimmed as the district grapples with dwindling fund balances in an effort to meet state-mandated requirements.

To its credit, the Board of Education and administration are facing the budget problem head-on. They want to correct deficit spending of $1 million in the general fund. This is the fund from which most of the district's bills are paid.

When cuts need to be made in any school district, administrators start with personnel, because salaries make up about three-fourths of the total budget. But it is these same people who make a real difference in terms of quality education.

The board is considering a budget freeze in the coming fiscal year, which would include a salary freeze for all staff. Teachers have been particularly outspoken against the salary freeze, which would negate not only raises but a move up the district's salary schedule.

Any freeze of salaries must be coupled with the prospect of additional compensation down the road. First-rate buildings mean little without well-trained and dedicated staff.

Teachers want the board to consider using money earmarked for long overdue construction for raises instead. Board members must be careful not to bend the public trust. Using funds for raises instead of construction might be a perilous path without a groundswell of public support.

On the other hand, the board might want to consider asking voters to consider another levy increase specifically to address salaries. Unfortunately, this is not a short-term solution. Even if voters approved a tax increase this year, the district would not receive additional revenues until January of 1999.

The state recommends that school districts keep balances of about 10 percent in their operating fund. This fund includes the general fund, textbook fund, food service, capital projects and a special revenue fund which is used specifically to pay teachers salaries.

Most of these funds are doing OK. The worst is the general fund, which will begin the next fiscal year July 1 with a balance of $428,315. That is well below recommended levels.

Where should the cuts be made? There are no simple or painless answers.

What the board needs is input -- and lots of it -- from district patrons and staff members. The more ideas that are brought to the table, the easier it may be to reach a consensus. And if all parties are actively involved in the process, the recommendations may be easier for all to swallow.

The school board will next meet April 2 to review the proposals. Budget reductions are never easy -- just ask the federal government.

But just as an athletic team can build a winning spirit, so can a budget team, especially if it involves the public, teachers, board members and administrators. Through teamwork, sacrifice and elbow grease, this budget crisis can be overcome.