AGREEMENT REACHED IN SCHOOLS ISSUE; PARENTS, SCHOOL OFFICIALS AGREE TO MOVE 68 PUPILS TO FRANKLIN

A compromise agreement worked out by school administrators and a small group of Franklin Elementary School parents Monday afternoon could be a temporary solution to overcrowding at Blanchard Elementary School.

But parents who attended a meeting Monday night said the district should begin now to plan for boundary changes that will equalize enrollment and racial and socio-economic diversity at the district's five elementary schools before the opening of the new high school in two years.

"I think that the agreement, under the circumstances, was pretty good," said Tina Abbott. "It alleviates overcrowding, and I agree with that."

Assistant Superintendent Cathy Evans presented a proposal to the Board of Education last week that would move 68 students living in a 16-block area of southeast Cape Girardeau into Franklin's attendance area to reduce enrollment at Blanchard. More students than were projected are enrolled at Blanchard, and the building is nearing its 525-student capacity.

Franklin has fewer students than were projected and could accommodate the extra students without reaching its capacity of 350 students.

About 30 parents attended a special Parent Teacher Association meeting Monday to discuss concerns regarding the proposal. At the meeting they learned that administrators and a small group of parents had developed a compromise that would guarantee class sizes would not exceed state guidelines.

The agreement considers the minimum and maximum class sizes recommended by the Missouri Department of Education. Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska developed a written agreement with the committee that promised Franklin classes would not exceed the median recommended class size for a particular grade.

If enrollment exceeded median levels, students moving into Franklin's boundaries would be transferred to another elementary school.

"That would ensure that Franklin doesn't end up as crowded as Blanchard is now," said Martha Zlokovich, one of the parents who helped develop the compromise.

Most parents agreed keeping Franklin under its enrollment capacity was their primary concern. However, several people were concerned that a small group that had not been selected by the PTA spoke with administrators on their behalf.

"I'm the PTA president and I wasn't included in the compromise meeting," said Tina Wright. "If they're going to decide some things, and that's what this feels like, let's talk about it. Why do two or three people get to decide our fate?"

Abbott also wished the delegation of parents had been selected by the PTA. In the end, however, she said she has faith in the district's top administrators to uphold their end of the compromise.

"I don't like the idea they had a meeting and made a compromise on our behalf, but I have all the faith in the world in Dr. Steska," she said. "I honestly believe he will stand behind that."

Sharon Mueller was the only Board of Education member to attend the meeting. She said she also trusted the administrators to use good judgment in developing any proposals for the school board to consider. The compromise plan appears sound, and it appears to be a good solution for the board to consider, she said.

"I really, really firmly believe that Dr. Steska, the administrators and the board are trying to make an effort," said Mueller. "I think this will all work out in the end."