ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL REPORTS GROWTH

Growth has been a good problem for the Cape Gir-ardeau alternative school program since its creation five years ago.

School leaders and the three-member County Commission lauded the program during a presentation made Monday during the Board of Education meeting.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones called the program a "great return" on the county's investment.

"We feel like this is the best expenditure of tax funds we make in the juvenile department," said Jones during the meeting. "We would like to spend even more money on this department because of the great return we see for the money."

Outgoing Alternative Education Center director Deena Ring updated the school board on the curriculum and enrollment of the school.

Since becoming director three years ago, Ring said enrollment has grown from 35 students to about 85 this year.

"We continually maintain a waiting list," she said. "We've added to the curriculum and increased our enrollment and staff, and we are seeing much success with our students."

Last year, the school was moved to the former May Greene School after outgrowing accommodations at the Cape Girardeau Civic Center, where it was located for two years.

The alternative school opened in 1996 at the Salvation Army.

New alternative school director Al McFerren said he hopes to continue the enrollment growth and need for new housing in the future.

"That's my goal, and I have a great opportunity to continue what she's started," said McFerren.

In other business, the school board approved a new Advanced Placement U.S. History course at the high school and set the annual tax rate hearing for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27.