CAPE, JACKSON PREPARE FOR STUDENT BUBBLE

With many schools in the nation already housing students in hallways and closets, districts are getting the news that a swell in children ages 10 to 14 -- up 20 percent in the last decade, census figures show -- could make things worse in the not-so-distant future.

These students will be hitting high school over the next four years, leaving educators wondering where to put them.

No such problem exists in Cape Girardeau schools at the current time, although high mobility rates mean anything can change.

Jackson schools report bubbles in next year's second-, sixth- and 10th-grade classes.

But the crowding and less-than-desirable conditions in other districts are good arguments for what both districts want to do.

They're both looking at tax increases to increase teacher pay, maintain buildings properly and accomplish other things officials deem necessary for a good educational environment. It behooves voters to educate themselves about the issues and see if they agree.