Cape Girardeau School Board: Phillip Moore

Name: Phillip S. Moore

Year of birth: 1970

Place of birth: Des Moines, Iowa

Spouse, children's names: Susan Emmons Moore, wife; Zachary and Connor

Occupation: Commercial loan officer

Employer: Bank of Missouri

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? Constantly be aware of fiscal budgeting and areas that will be affected due to income shortfalls. Review all positions that become open and determine potential areas that will be affected. Prioritize spending to be aware of areas that will be able to have priority adjustments in budget shortfalls with the least impact to the overall education and welfare of our student body.

2. What are your thoughts on the district's proposal to overhaul its buildings with a $40 million bond issue? This is an issue that has to be passed. There is a current tax in place, so this bond going through will not raise any citizen's taxes. There are many facility problems that are going to have to be addressed in the very near future. The only current way to address these issues will affect the operating budget, cutting into funding for other needed areas. Our facilities need immediate attention not only from a maintenance perspective but also safety and security as well as square footage per student. This plan has been put together over an 18-month-plus period, and input has been received from staff, citizens as well as facilities professionals. The time is now due to bidding climate and low interest rates to capitalize on these much-needed issues and improvements. Failure of the proposal will not lower any taxes, so there is absolutely no reason to not vote yes on the bond issue. It is a pay-me-now-or-pay-me-later issue. We need to do it now while we can get the most for our money spent, take advantage of historically low borrowing rates and reinvest in our future.

3. What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office? I am a product of the Cape public schools, attending Franklin Elementary through Central High School. I also have two boys in the system that are both attending Clippard Elementary, so I feel I have a vested interest to see our school system not only thrive but be the best possible for our children. My professional background is in the financial arena, and I will bring a business-based mindset with the financial knowledge that will be of benefit to the district and the citizens it serves.