`SUMMIT' IS FIRST STEP TO IMPROVING SCHOOLS

"It's a start." That was probably the sentiment of some who helped launch a public school district in Cape Girardeau 125 years ago. That's also the ~disposition carried by many from an "educational summit" held in the city Thursday night. The gathering brought together more than 200 educators and business leaders to introduce an effort for determining new strategies and priorities for public schools here. The venture is an admirable one, and one we hope is approached with eyes open to the great potential of the local school system and without preconceived notions about avenues to its betterment.

Opportunities are greater now than ever to provide a quality education for the next generation. The education business is grounded in information, and our information base is constantly expanding. Technology that staggered our imagination just a decade ago is now available in the classroom. Social problems that divided the citizenry in generations past are still apparent but not prevalent. Students with special needs are being identified and served in greater numbers than ever. Access to the universe of ideas is almost limitless.

Yet, in this time when we should celebrate the enormous advantages heaped upon our education system, concerns about schools are sizable. As society has advanced, so have distractions increased. Drugs and alcohol are more of a problem today than they were 30 years ago. Accelerated technology that put computers within students' reach also fuels a mass media that demands students' time. The lure of money from after-school jobs is more widespread and socially appealing. Some people look at today's educational system and say not altogether erroneously that all it needs is "some good, old-fashioned discipline."

Were it only that easy.

The question remains: Given all there is to work with, can we provide a structure through which the vast supply of knowledge within our grasp is transmitted successfully to young people? Committees have been formed as part of the school district's planning effort to address matters of financing, educational programs and facilities. A variety of things will be discussed, but none of these groups should stray from beneath the umbrella of this fundamental question.

In bringing community leaders into the process of educational planning, there must not be the attitude of refining what has always been, of providing an additional amount of "more of the same." This effort must not become just a public relations preamble for a campaign to increase the school tax levy. (However, that may indeed be needed; time will tell.) What we have seen to this point is a call go out from the school district: the community's help has been sought and the community has responded. It should continue. Enthusiasm and input shouldn't stop after one dinner.

As of Friday, the Cape Girardeau Public School District was 125 years old. It has served this community well. What a good many educators and citizens here hope is that the schools can serve us even better in the years to come. That hope is reasonable and within reach. The first step has been taken.