SIKESTON -- Gov. Mel Carnahan presented the Sikeston School District with the state's third Governor's Choice Outstanding District Award for the district's good use of the Outstanding Schools Act's money.

Sikeston schools received $5 million in additional state funding since the law was enacted.

In particular, Carnahan cited the district's 99 percent participation rate in voluntary all-day kindergarten, its increased vocational-technical class offerings for junior high and high school students and its low 3 percent drop-out rate as evidence of educational successes.

Performance on state exams is also remarkable, he said, as scores rose in nine of 12 areas on state assessments between 1993 and 1997, and percentages on tests in 1997 were considered high in 10 areas.

In addition, Southwest Elementary School students rank among the state's top five schools on state assessments, said Carnahan.

"Excellence begins with the best start for students," he said. "The Parents As Teachers program is greatly expanded, and the early childhood special education program is preparing disabled children ages 3 to 5 for kindergarten. Low student-teacher ratios in elementary classrooms are also allowing students to receive greater personal attention from teachers and improve their chances for educational success."

Carnahan further praised the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce's weeklong Education Week, saying it demonstrated the community's commitment to improving education for area students.

So did the overwhelming voter support last April of a quarter-cent sales tax to help finance construction of the $4.5 million Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, he said.

The tax issue was passed by more than a 3-to-1 margin and will generate an estimated $3 million before it expires after 2004. Another $1.5 million will come from the state.

"Folks, you just don't pass those things by 78 percent," Carnahan said. "You didn't know that, did you?"

The Higher Education Center, expected to open next year, will be operated by Southeast Missouri State University. Classes will be offered by both Southeast and Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

Sikeston is the first district in Southeast Missouri and only the third in the state to receive the award given jointly each quarter by Carnahan and the Missouri Partnership for Outstanding Schools.

Previous winners were Lee's Summit near Kansas City and Shelby County School District in northeast Missouri.

"These districts that are honored in this way have implemented superior educational opportunities," said Carnahan. "One of the principal responsibilities of the state is public education. The folks on the school board and in the community have to make the decision to add to that."