The Cape Girardeau Board of Education is scheduled to formally vote Monday to place a $25 million bond issue on the April 6 ballot.

The board meets at 4:30 p.m. at May Greene Elementary School and the meeting is open to the public. The deadline to place issues on the April ballot is Feb. 9.

The proposed $25 million bond issue, if approved by voters, would buy two new school buildings, an addition to Jefferson Elementary School, earthquake resistance, air-conditioning and electrical updates for existing buildings. A tax increase of 72 cents would retire the bonds.

In addition, the board plans a 27-cent increase in the district's building fund levy, which would bring the total tax increase to 99 cents.

Superintendent Neyland Clark said: "We will have the resolution calling for the bond issue. It's a very formal process."

Three components will be voted on for placement on the ballot: a $25 million bond issue, a resolution to raise the tax levy for building maintenance, and the Board of Education candidates.

"I think there will be a lot of discussion," Clark said, "but it will be very technical."

The district's bond counsel, Gilmore-Bell, will be represented at the meeting by Mark Grimm. Joseph Russell will also attend the meeting as the board's legal counsel. Representatives from the architectural firm may also attend.

According to the 1990 census, Cape Girardeau's median home has a market value of $58,300. The 99-cent increase would cost the owner of that home an additional $109.66 a year, or about $2.10 a week.

If the proposal is approved, May Greene and Washington elementary schools and L.J. Schultz Middle School would be closed.

Cape Girardeau voters would see two school issues on the ballot. The authorization to sell bonds requires 57.1 percent approval to pass. Raising the levy in the building fund requires a simple majority of votes to pass. The package could be implemented only if both measures were approved.

Among other items on the agenda are renewal of administrative contracts and a proposal for the district study implementing a career ladder program.