MEETINGS SCHEDULED ON FUTURE OF CAPE SCHOOLS

If David Hahs has his way, suggestions for improving Cape Girardeau public schools will dominate conversations throughout the community for the next month and a half, maybe even longer.

Hahs, spokesman for the school district's Vision Planning Committee, on Tuesday announced that a series of public meetings will be held to gather ideas and suggestions to be used in developing a five-year strategic plan for the school system.

Hahs said these meetings will be among the most important things going on in the community in October.

"Something needs to be done," he said. "Our charge is to see what it is that needs to be done."

"I want to see something positive happen in this community," he said. "I think there are some issues everyone in the community can rally behind, and I think they will."

Also serving on the planning committee are Robert Foster, Judy Wilferth, Kevin Ford, John Jenkins, Richard Bollwerk and Bryn McDougall. The group was appointed by the school board to collect information from the community in three areas: educational directions, facility needs and finances.

Hahs said he senses the community's quiet confidence in the people directing public education in Cape Girardeau. Now the school district needs a road map to follow.

Hahs said the committee will maintain open ears, an open mind and a positive attitude. In return, he hopes that everyone who has an interest in building a strong school system will bring their ideas to the meetings.

"Help us do what is needed and what is right," Hahs said.

About 50 people attended the Tuesday morning press conference, including top officials from Southeast Missouri State University, city government, the school district, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and Vision 2000.

Vision 2000, a community planning activity that started in 1987, has set education as one of its priorities. Melvin Gateley of Vision 2000 has helped organize the series of 15 meetings.

The meetings are planned at different school buildings across the district, but each is open to anyone. The first is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Franklin School and will consider the topic of educational directions.

The culmination will be a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Cape Girardeau Central High auditorium. Information from all the other meetings will be explained at that meeting.

Developing a five-year plan for the school district was one of two goals the school board set at its planning session during the summer.