SPEAKOUT

College costs

WHAT GOOD is it going to do for poor people to send their kids to college when they can't let their kids finish school if it's going to cost them too much?

Drawing a conclusion

I JUST read in the Monday paper Amy Randol's Feb. 21 letter to Cape school board asking for information on school district financial records and the school board's March 13 response to all of her many, many questions. First of all, thanks to the Missourian for printing all of this. It covered almost the entire page. Secondly, it looks to me like Amy Randol, who no doubt meant well, came out with no fish on her hook. I think Superintendent Clark has been completely, categorically and justifiably exonerated of all allegations. If their response is accurate, then that's the conclusion I draw. The recent Amy Randol-induced district audit cost much more than the few dollars that Clark and some school board members reimbursed the district for a couple of things. This has turned out to be a non-story, although it was fun for a while. I think Missourian writers Joni Adams and Peggy Scott were justified in investigating, and they did a good job at investigative reporting, but there's just no smoking gun. So let's get on with it and move on to Outcome Based Education. That's a whole other ballgame.

Band in Scott City?

DOES SCOTT City public school have a band? I was at the homecoming ballgame this last winter, and there wasn't a band. The last time I saw them, there was just a few people in the band marching.

REPLY: Scott City High School has a marching band.

Model of violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE begins at home. To end violence, education must begin at home. Parents, our children are watching us. We are their only role model. They learn by example, so if we are angry or hostile, abusing others, they will grow up to do the same to their mate, their children and yes, to you. Teach your children well while they are small that hands are not for hitting. If there's violence in your home, get out and seek a safe place and get help. It can be overcome and you can lead a happy, fulfilling, productive life and your children will thank you for this valuable lesson.

Marriage conference

THIS IS in response to the idiot who said the "Lovers for Life" seminar was just for a man to get money. Well, since you know nothing about this, I'll inform you. There are many booklets and manuals that are being purchased with the $20, and I encourage every married couple to go. No one is trying to get money in the name of Jesus Christ. If they were, they would have had a charge to get into the crusade every night. So before you judge a man of God, find out the facts.

Much-loved play

I'VE BEEN reading with interest the comments in Speak Out about the Jackson High School play. Fifteen years ago I was a brand-new English teacher looking for a play for the drama club to perform. I asked several of my former drama teachers, and all of them recommended "You Can't Take It With You." They explained it was the play most often performed by high schools, and to the best of my knowledge it still is to this day. I did ask several trusted adults to read the play and give me their opinion. They did, and all eight of them loved the play and urged me to have the class perform it. We performed this play in an extremely conservative rural area. The parents and school board loved it. By the way, the panel of people I asked for opinions from included a Southern Baptist minister in his 60s, a retired elementary school teacher and my own very, very strict grandmother. This should tell you something.

SEMO Chiefs?

I WOULD like to suggest that SEMO University change it's nickname from the Indians to the Chiefs, because under the Stroup administration there are many more chiefs than there are Indians.