SCHOOL SUPPORT HAS PRODUCED BIG IMPROVEMENTS

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education thought it would be helpful to provide our patrons with an update of the status of the building and educational program that has resulted from our community's commitment since the fall of 1996.

Giant strides have been made in facilities, achievement and technology.

This is largely the result of the wise planning done by the communitywide Master Planning Committee that has guided the district's response to the needs of our students.

Listed below are some facts that show the results of the community's investment since 1997:

Investment:

* Proposition C waiver and $14 million bond issue approved in 1997.

* An $18 million bond issue approved in 2000.

* No increase in the school tax levy since 1997 (four years).

Return:

* Increased achievement scores every year.

* Excellent Missouri School Improvement Program review for accreditation.

* Reduced elementary class size for better learning.

* Renovations or additions at each elementary school.

* Replaced aging buildings with high-tech, safe facilities.

* New Blanchard Elementary School constructed.

* New Career and Technology Center to open this fall.

* New Central High School to open in the fall of 2002.

* Computer labs in all buildings.

* Cafeterias and gymnasiums at all elementary schools.

* Revised and updated curriculum at all schools.

* Broad community support of schools and improved quality of life.

During Phase I of the master plan, the board of education decided to extend the building plan to include cafeterias and computer labs at each elementary school as well as upgrade telecommunications systems for efficiency and security.

Also, the career center was significantly expanded as a response to business and industry recommendations and the availability of state funding. This increased our local financial investment by about $7.9 million above the original plan. However, the board thought it prudent to provide each elementary school with comparable and equitable facilities and instructional opportunities.

The board also has made a strong commitment to technical education to serve the varied needs of employers.

In short, the Cape Girardeau School District is now in the best facility condition and instructional position in recent history. We are poised to enter the next century ready to meet the demands of the future. This is the result of a community that has had the vision to foresee the future and to generously invest in the preparation of our children.

The board thanks you for your support and pledges its continued service to "Renew the Vision and Maintain the Mission" of your schools.

Dan Steska is the superintendent of the Cape Girardeau School District.