THE PUBLIC MIND: TEACHER URGES SUPPORT FOR STATE GRANTS

To the Editor:

As a teacher from the Leopold School district, I would like to thank the Southeast Missourian for featuring our school in this Sunday's paper. The article stressed our faculty's success at writing and receiving Missouri Incentive Grants. The money from these grants has allowed our students access to materials and equipment which has otherwise would not have been available. Of greater importance is the educational programs developed to utilize the materials and equipment.

Educational program development is the crux of the Incentive Grant funding. Many Southeast Missouri teachers, schools and districts have been the beneficiaries of this funding. Unfortunately, the Missouri Incentive Grant program, which awards creative and innovative educational projects, is scheduled for funding cutbacks. The ultimate loss will be to the students.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask your readers for help. If your child or school has benefited from the Missouri Incentive Grant Program, please join in the effort to stop the proposed funding cut. Voice your concerns to your state legislator.

Sarran Seabaugh,

Sixth Grade Teacher

Leopold R-III schools