Speak Out 08/31/04

School board at fault

I HAVE been a teacher in the Cape Girardeau School District for 16 years. I desperately wish this community could know what I know about our school board. We have had superintendents come and go in this time, some good and some not quite as good. But Mark Bowles is one of the best. The superintendent's position is one of strong leadership, long-range vision for the district and implementing board policy. Bowles has been one of the strongest, most supportive leaders we've ever had as teachers. He constantly looks to the future for the benefit of your children and mine. He has implemented our board's policies. Our problems stem from this school board, not our superintendent. They are the ones who must get their act together and regain the confidence of this community. The school board needs to be aware that there are many of us who know who is at fault here.

District cleanup

A COMMENT was made by the Cape Girardeau School Board president that he was unsure how the public would react to the nonrenewal of Mark Bowles' contract. My reaction: Thank goodness. The school district lost ground every year that Bowles led the district. We have lost many teachers not only to cuts but to higher-paying districts. Money from grants is spent on nonsense items like reading coaches. I hope the board continues the cleanup. Maybe then Cape Girardeau schools will start to regain the strength and desire to teach the public's children.

School scapegoat

WHY DID the school board make the announcement about Mark Bowles' contract at the beginning of the school year? Couldn't it have waited? For a school district where morale is already low due to budget cuts and no pay raises, this is just another blow for the staff. I think Bowles will handle this with dignity and grace, and I also think he has become the scapegoat for the tax-levy increase.

Teachers weren't asked

AS A teacher in the Cape Girardeau School District, I am upset by the board's decision to release Mark Bowles. He has been very supportive of education within our system. He has provided strong leadership in the face of the many situations. Why didn't the board poll the teachers and staff? The board could have shown us the respect of at least asking us to evaluate our administrator on his performance.