SUPERINTENDENT HAS BEEN SOLID LEADER

Although he has held the position for only two years, Cape Girardeau's school superintendent, Dr. Dan Tallent, has been a driving force in helping to move the school district forward, particularly in terms of vitally needed buildings and other physical facilities.

Tallent announced he won't renew his three-year contract when it expires June 30. He told the board when he was hired two years ago that he only wanted the job for three years. He hasn't said what he plans to do after next year, but he said he will consider some options that include early retirement and other jobs in education or the private sector.

The school board already has begun a search process for a successor that will include school district staff members, students and patrons.

Tallent faced a difficult task when he took over from Neyland Clark. It had been three decades since a bond issue for any purpose had been passed by school district voters despite repeated tries. Confidence in the school administration under Clark's leadership had eroded.

Tallent has helped change that attitude.

In April 1997, voters gave the nod to a $14 million bond issue and 69-cent tax increase to set into motion a two-phase master plan for construction of two new school buildings and renovations to seven other buildings.

Tallent and other school-district leaders spent considerable time and effort explaining the need for the improvements, and without those efforts the measure may well have not passed. A second phase of the plan calls for another $14 million bond issue that includes a new high school and more renovations contingent upon voter approval. It won't require another tax increase. Tallent no doubt during his last year as superintendent will focus on getting the word out on the importance of those improvements as well.

Tallent has said along that he likes a challenge. He certainly has met that challenge well in the two short years he has served as superintendent and can be expected to continue to do so over the last year of his contract.