Cape Girardeau School Board: Hamner Hill

Name: Hamner Hill

Year of birth: 1956

Place of birth: Arlington, Va.

Spouse, children's names: Peggy, wife; Jackson and Owen

Occupation: Professor

Employer: Southeast Missouri State University

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? Planning for budget cuts begins with difficult decisions about priorities and essential functions. Then realistic targets for specific units need to be set. Finally, budget custodians need to develop specific plans to reach those targets through cost reductions or revenue increases. My work at the university has given me a lot of experience with such matters.

2. What are your thoughts on the district's proposal to overhaul its buildings with a $40 million bond issue? This bond issue is essential for the district. Failure to pass the bond issue will create deferred maintenance problems and a failure to address security issues. We can't do that to our children.

3. What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office? I am a product of, and a strong supporter of, public education. I have been deeply involved with the Cape public schools for years: I served on the PTO, coached the math club at Franklin and at the middle school, judged speech and debate, and read questions for scholar bowl competitions. I support both athletics and the arts as important aspects of top quality academic programs. Finally, I am an educator.