School funding

Over the past several years the Cape Girardeau School District has seen several tight years for funding. These turned into what have been called "million-dollar panics" by some community observers, because the funding shortfall always seemed to be that amount.

In previous years, the district responded in various ways, including the appointment of large committees of community volunteers, teachers and administrators. Sometimes their recommendations were adopted, and sometimes they weren't.

During the current school year, the district overcame what might have been another million-dollar panic, but this time the district quietly went about dealing with the problem rather than stirring up school patrons. The district was helped immensely by increases in state funding and a mild winter that help offset huge increases in heating costs. The district also found ways to pinch pennies. As a result, what could have been a funding shortfall was entirely erased.

The district is optimistic about the next school year and plans to have $1.2 million available to pay for raises. The district has been lagging behind other area districts and statewide averages on teachers' salaries, and it's good to see the district moving to keep up while maintaining its fiscal prudence.