BOARD OF EDUCATION IS RIGHT TO CHANGE DIRECTION

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education has turned its attention toward a new elementary school, and has apparently set aside a middle school. In a work session Monday night, members decided to focus on replacing old buildings with new elementary classrooms.

In changing its course, the board has listened to the people. Board members may not like it, but it takes a true leader to get the job done. A package that includes a new elementary school and an addition to Jefferson School may have a better chance for passage. Aging buildings are a need people can readily see.

Ironically, the board has returned to the recommendation of the Project Partnership's finance committee in mid 1992. That group of community leaders recommended the middle school plan not be linked with a new elementary school on the ballot. On behalf of the committee, Chairman Harry Rediger in June of 1992 cautioned the board of education that a middle school was not a popular idea in the community. He suggested the two items should be presented to voters separately.

At the same time, Rediger said that committee members were not opposed to a middle school, but they feared voters against a middle school concept would vote down an entire package. It now appears that's exactly what happened.

At several school board forums, voters vocalized their discontent with the plan on the table. There's no indication that a third time would have been any more fruitful. Voters twice said they do not support a substantial tax increase to achieve the district's "ideal" learning environment.

It's not fair to assume that all who disagreed were uneducated about the issue. A lot of people would like to drive a Mercedes Benz, but not everyone can afford it. Many voters realize a middle school would be good for the district, but don't want to foot the bill. They see the district as doing an admirable job with current resources.

Others simply weren't convinced that a middle school is needed. That doesn't make them "ignorant" as one board member implied. A number of people understand all the arguments -- they just don't want it.

And yes, still others didn't get educated about middle school benefits.

We, too, endorsed the project -- both times on this editorial page. But like the voters, we're ready to move on. Our aging elementary buildings need replacing and we agree it's time the board refocus its efforts on this immediate need.

May Greene and Washington are deteriorating, and simply not suited for today's teaching environment.

Built in 1919, the brick-and-masonry May Greene School has few electrical outlets, and peeling plaster and paint are common sights despite repeated maintenance efforts. At Washington School, there are similar concerns. Built in 1914, the two-story brick and masonry structure is one of the two oldest schools in use in the district. It has an abundance of stairs, making it virtually inaccessible to the handicapped, and a maze of a floor plan.

At Monday night's meeting, several board members expressed a high level of frustration. We understand that frustration. Board members and school officials want to do what's best for the kids. But we all must remember that public schools belong to the community and ultimately, the community has the final say.

Taxpayers finance the Cape Girardeau Public Schools whether they have children enrolled or not. And we believe most of these people realize the advantages of a good school system. The community simply disagrees over what's best and what it can afford.

After all, the public schools are not the only hand extended in today's world. Taxes are going up on the national and statewide levels -- increases over which taxpayers have no control. Local issues often suffer from this growing taxpayer frustration and dwindling resources.

In formulating the new school plan, we hope board members will stick to the basics. Taxpayers may accept a new school, but not a palace with lots of extras.

Time after time, Cape Girardeau voters have approved school proposals with merit. With this changed direction, we're confident voters will come through again.