Cape Schools receive 3rd National Award in a Year

Cape Girardeau Public Schools received its third national recognition in less than a year. On May 20 the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), announced that Cape Schools, along with 28 other Missouri school systems, received recognition from SchoolMatch®, a national firm specializing in rating K-12 schools.

The Ohio-based SchoolMatch ranks school systems in a national percentile format, making it possible for comparisons by parents, homebuyers, corporate leaders, policymakers, educators, or realtors using its services, according to Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. Since 1992, the "What Parents Want" award program has recognized school systems that are making noteworthy efforts to meet the needs of the clientele they serve.

"We are pleased to see this group of Missouri's schools honored by a nationally known firm," said Commissioner Nicastro. "We believe these schools, large and small, can serve as role models in how school districts are consistently providing value to parents and students in their communities, as well as those who are considering relocation to Missouri."

Last May Cape Schools received the "President's Award" from Big Brothers Big Sisters, followed by the "Spirit of Caring" Award from the United Way. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and other dignitaries attended the first presentation. In an editorial published May 28, 2009, the Southeast Missourian Newspaper said, "The Cape Girardeau School District was presented the President's Award, the organization's top national award. It was the first time the award had ever been given to a school district... achievements to be proud of."

The 28 Missouri school systems receiving the "What Parents Want" award are Blue Springs, Brentwood, Cape Girardeau, Center, Clayton, Columbia, Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Lindbergh, Mound City, North Platte County R-I, Park Hill, Parkway, Pattonville, Platte County R-III, Raytown, Rockwood, Rolla, Springfield, University City, and Webster Groves.

A national compilation of more than 95,000 parent questionnaires completed by SchoolMatch clients in 2009 reveals parents most often look for school systems that are:

*Competitive in academic test scores and academically solid, but not so rigorous as to intimidate their children.

*Accredited.

*Recognized for excellence by a national foundation or by the U.S. Department of Education.

*Competitive in teacher salaries.

*Above average in instructional expenditures on a national percentile basis.

*Above average in expenditures for library/media services on a national percentile basis.

*Known for small class size.

According to SchoolMatch, 16 percent of the nation's public school districts consistently meet the "What Parents Want" expectations.

"It's been another very productive year," said Cape Girardeau Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim Welker, who has led the district for the past two years. "Not only are we grateful to the community for approving our bond issue in April, but we are extremely proud of our staff, students and their parents, who made this achievement possible."