School spending

The Cape Girardeau School Board appears to be taking a cautious approach to some key financial decisions, including budgeting and planning for a bond issue and for increased operating costs if new facilities are constructed.

The district has been working on a facilities plan for several months. A draft proposal estimates the cost of needed projects to be $35 million. The district may be asking voters for approval next spring of a no-tax-increase bond issue to pay for the new and upgraded facilities.

But school board members have expressed concern about balancing the operating budget without having to continue to dip into reserves, as has been the case the past several years.

And board members are aware of the fact that new facilities would likely add to the district's overall operating costs, another budgetary factor that needs careful attention.

The goal or providing top-notch facilities throughout the district is a good one. The deliberations involved in meeting that goal have taken a common-sense approach. This same careful planning -- and explaining to likely voters come April -- will help the district achieve its objective with solid public support.

Given the current economic climate, making a strong case for spending will help earn the needed support.