VOTERS IN CAPE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO GET FACTS ABOUT FUTURE

Even though the April bond issue for Cape Girardeau's public schools isn't yet on the ballot, informational presentations have begun. There is nothing wrong with that. It is never too early to begin the education process when something this important is on the table.

Dr. Dan Tallent, school superintendent, spoke to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee. Tallent said this group will be one of many to receive such face-to-face presentations in the months ahead. School officials hope to speak before just about every organization in the community.

The school district is proposing a 69-cent tax increase that would fund a multiphase master plan. The first phase would fund a new vocational-technical school and a new elementary school. The plan also calls for renovations at Alma Schrader, Clippard and Franklin elementary schools, plus a major addition to Jefferson. May Greene and Washington schools would be closed.

Down the road, the district plans to construct a new high school and renovate the high school and junior high buildings. Schultz school would be closed, and the existing vo-tech building would be renovated.

Another big change proposed by the district would be a re-grouping of elementary grades into centers. The kindergarten through fourth grades would remain in the elementary schools. Fifth and sixth would have a grade center, and seventh and eighth would be a grade center. Ninth through 12th would be at a new high school. It is a concept that has worked well in many other school districts.

But some taxpayers won't give a hoot for all the planned improvements. They will simply see the 69-cent tax increase.

That is why district officials are perceptive to focus not just on improvements, but on ways for patrons to offset the higher taxes.

At the First Friday Coffee, school officials highlighted a state tax rebate for senior citizens, of which many don't take advantage. Elderly on a fixed income making less than $15,000 are eligible for the break on property taxes.

Tallent also promoted the improvements as an investment in Cape Girardeau. Better schools should make the community more attractive to businesses.

One suggestion is to let people know the sorry condition of the elementary schools. If people won't go to the school to see for themselves, the schools should bring a video of the conditions to future presentations.

All in all, this first pitch was credible and informative. There is good reason to be impressed by the new leadership and openness in the Cape Girardeau School District. It should go a long way to selling this much-needed bond issue.