CAPE SCHOOLS READY FOR OPENING

Faculty and staff of Cape Girardeau public schools were back at school Wednesday in preparation for the first day of classes Monday.

During an all-school faculty meeting Wednesday, Superintendent Neyland Clark and Board of Education President Bob Fox solicited support from the staff for the coming school year.

"Personally, I get very excited at this time of year," Clark told the teachers. "It's a chance to renew and rededicate ourselves to the task we're about."

Clark said one objective for the year is to "build the bridge and close the gap" between the community and the school.

Fox told the teachers, "You have a board that is in harmony and has agreed to a unified purpose."

The school board has a goal to put a five-year plan in place by March. Once a plan is in place the school district will figure out how much it will cost and how to pay for it.

Fox said the planning process will start in each of the district's schools.

"I think if we're honest, practical and open with the public, the public will be supportive of us," Fox said.

Clark said the strategic planning process will solicit information and opinions from the staff.