Cape Girardeau School Board to consider bond issue at meeting

The Cape Girardeau School District is exploring options as it prepares to approach voters with a bond issue.

Friday, district officials and school board members met with a financial adviser from the Kansas City, Mo.-based George K. Baum and Co. They discussed different bonding scenarios including interest-free bonds available through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, superintendent Dr. Jim Welker said.

In February, the district started forming a long-term facilities plan to address the renovation and construction needs of its ten schools. District officials have said they would like to approach voters with a no-tax-increase bond issue in April.

Board members will discuss the facilities plan and potential bond issue during a 5 p.m. work session today before their monthly meeting.

Welker said the district will be able to apply for the interest-free bonds after voters approve a bond issue. The district will not know how much support it will receive through the stimulus program until it goes through the application process, he said.

The last time the district approached voters with a bond issue was in 1997. Voters passed funding measures to construct Blanchard Elementary and the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

After more than a decade without a bond issue, there are many needs throughout the district to be addressed, officials said.

"That's probably why we just have a lot more possible projects," Welker said.

Officials also discussed approaching voters with smaller bond issues every three to five years, said Neil Glass, director of administrative services. Board members will receive more information and discuss the direction they want to go during today's meeting, he said.

A steering committee made up of teachers, administrators and board members has been working on the facilities plan. The committee will meet in August to go over architectural plans for potential projects. Glass said he hopes to have a $35 million plan presented to the school board by September.

The school board will meet at 6 p.m. today at the district offices at 301 N. Clark Ave. During the meeting, State Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, will brief board members on the recent legislative session.

High school principal Dr. Mike Cowan will also provide an update of the Preparing for Academic Success classes. PAS classes started during the previous school year and are aimed at helping freshman develop study skills and career goals.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

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Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO