Cape Girardeau School Board: Don Call

Name: Don Call

Year of birth: 1948

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse, children's names: Sharon Call, wife; Christine Lacy, Donny Call, Matthew Call, Mike Call and Mark Call, children.

Occupation: Education administrator (semiretired), director of a consortium

Employer: Rural Consortium for Educational Technology

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held or sought: None

1. Funding the increase to the school foundation formula is a point of debate among state politicians. What should the district do to prepare for a potential shortfall in funding? Fortunately Cape public schools depend more on local funds than they do on state and federal funding; approximately 62 percent of the revenue comes from the local tax base. I think schools across the state are asking the state department to allow schools to reduce programs that are currently required but are either not funded at all or inadequately funded. The last item to be reduced or cut because of the funding situation should be the classroom teacher.

2. What are your thoughts on the district's proposal to overhaul its buildings with a $40 million bond issue? I support the bond issue. As in any bond issue this large that is composed of a wide range of projects there are proposals in the bond issue that a segment of the district like and other proposals that other segments do not like. The bond issue will help the budget situation because if the bond issue fails there are repair items in the bond issue that will then have to be placed in the regular operating budget thus reducing funds available for student learning. Expenditures from the debt service fund do not take away from the regular operating budget.

3. What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office? I have been a teacher, coach, bus driver, principal and a superintendent of schools. I grew up in South Cape, where a public education and going to Southeast Missouri State University was about the only way to prepare you for life. I have participated in and conducted board of education meetings for over 25 years. I have a bachelor of science, a master's degree and a specialist in education administration, all from Southeast. I feel with the over 37 years of service in public education I would be a good member of the board of education. I know the language of public education and have developed and instituted district budgets for over 20 years. I have also developed programs that increased attendance, graduation rates, test scores, and reduced dropout rates. I developed salary schedules for teachers that raised beginning pay but also rewarded seniority and experience.