FROM DR. JAMES WELKER, SUPERINTENDENT
Cape Girardeau Public School District has a strong traditionof excellence in academics, the arts and athletics. We look forward with greatanticipation to more accomplishments in the months ahead.
The 2012-13 school year marks the completion of our bondissue construction projects. Severalprojects were completed over the summer, including the new Franklin ElementarySchool, new offices and breezeway at Central Middle School, a library at CentralJunior High School and a classroom addition at Central High School. The RichardD. Kinder Performance Hall at Central High School will be completed this schoolyear. Thanks to the Cape Girardeau community for approving the bond issue thathas allowed us to make these improvements.
This summer, we began the process of becoming a district-wideProfessional Learning Community (PLC). Leadership Teams from each buildingattended the PLC Academy presented by the Regional Professional DevelopmentCenter. These teams will be bringing information to their respective buildingsthroughout the coming year. This processwill continue over the next three years. This initiative will unify thedistrict and bring about district-wide school improvement.
I am pleased to announce that we have made significant gainsin our graduation rate. Our four-year graduation rate increased over 13%. I commend the efforts of our staff,particularly at the high school, for their diligence in helping students stayin school. I also commend the efforts ofthe United Way for their support in this area-- they have focused time andfunding on increasing the graduation rate. And while we need to celebrate thisimprovement, we must also realize that there is still much work to do in thisarea. Our goal is to help all studentsgraduate and be college and career ready.
As always, I want to thank all of our staff for their hoursof dedication. The rich tradition and pride of our school programs are possiblebecause of their commitment and hard work.
In addition, thank you, parents and members of the community,for your support of Cape Public Schools. It takes a team effort to ensure thesuccess of our students. I encourage you to attend as many school activities aspossible. Help support our students as they gain valuable experiences that willlast a life-time.
As we progress through this school year, let us continue tobuild pride in our school district and community. Go Tigers!
Jim Welker
Superintendent
CapeGirardeau Public Schools
ABOUT DR. JAMES WELKER
Dr. James Welker and his family have lived in Cape for more than 30 years. His two sons, Matthew and Justin, as well as his wife Terri, are proud graduates of Cape Central High School. His daughter Emily is a student at St. Louis University. Dr. Welker has served as superintendent of Cape Girardeau Public Schools since July 1, 2008.
Dr. Welker was Assistant Superintendent, Finance and Support Services, at Jackson School District for 8 years. He also was an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Counseling at Southeast Missouri State University in the spring of 2008. Dr. Welker worked 2 years at Sikeston Public Schools and 10 years at Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as supervisor of Agricultural Education. Prior to that he was a teacher for 10 years at Delta R-V School District.
He holds four degrees:
- Doctorate of Education, University of Missouri
- Specialist in Education Administration, Southeast Missouri State University
- Masters of Education, University of Missouri
- Bachelors of Science, Agricultural Education, University of Missouri
Dr. Welker is the recipient of many Distinguished Service Awards. He belongs to several professional and civic organizations. In 2011 he received the New Superintendent of Schools Award for the Southeast Missouri Region from the Missouri Association of School Administrators.