From Teri (Hayes) Ellefson, Teresa (Mosher) Keehn and Nikki Matley
Monroe
To the editor:
As leaders of the Say Yes to Monroe Schools Committee, we have one common belief: We are proud of Monroe. We are proud of our schools and proud of our amazing community. Throughout this experience, the incredible amount of support we have received has been very rewarding. We have talked to people across all areas of the community, and have heard repeatedly that our schools are important. Many residents have stepped up and said, "What can I do?" or "How can I help?" For that, we are grateful and reminded of what a special place Monroe is.
When it comes to shortfalls in school funding, Monroe is not alone. The state of Wisconsin has cut funding to schools, leaving Monroe with less revenue than five years ago. However, operating costs continue to increase. This is why over 300 districts in the state have gone to their communities for referendum for additional funding. In fact, Monroe is the only district in Green County not currently operating under a referendum. Even so, the Monroe school district has cut costs. While enrollment has decreased by only 9 percent since 2002, the district has reduced staff by over 20 percent. Past pay freezes and benefit changes have saved the district over $1 million annually.
It is important to remember that school taxes have been going down in recent years. Most people are actually paying less in school taxes now than ten years ago. In our current situation, if both referendum questions were to pass the total tax implication would be $1.89 per $1000 assessed value. Even with this increase, the mill rate for school taxes would still be about $0.70 per $1,000 less than it was in 2010. We have the opportunity to provide the necessary resources to our schools. We know that having a strong school system is important for our current students, our future students, and for the well-being of our entire community.
We are in a unique position to see first-hand the overwhelming support our community has shown for our schools, and we are extremely grateful. But, most importantly, we are honored to know that we are in this together, and can put our schools on a solid course for the future. Please join us in voting yes to both referendum questions on Nov. 8. Say yes to Monroe schools, say yes to our community, say yes to investing in our future.
Monroe
To the editor:
As leaders of the Say Yes to Monroe Schools Committee, we have one common belief: We are proud of Monroe. We are proud of our schools and proud of our amazing community. Throughout this experience, the incredible amount of support we have received has been very rewarding. We have talked to people across all areas of the community, and have heard repeatedly that our schools are important. Many residents have stepped up and said, "What can I do?" or "How can I help?" For that, we are grateful and reminded of what a special place Monroe is.
When it comes to shortfalls in school funding, Monroe is not alone. The state of Wisconsin has cut funding to schools, leaving Monroe with less revenue than five years ago. However, operating costs continue to increase. This is why over 300 districts in the state have gone to their communities for referendum for additional funding. In fact, Monroe is the only district in Green County not currently operating under a referendum. Even so, the Monroe school district has cut costs. While enrollment has decreased by only 9 percent since 2002, the district has reduced staff by over 20 percent. Past pay freezes and benefit changes have saved the district over $1 million annually.
It is important to remember that school taxes have been going down in recent years. Most people are actually paying less in school taxes now than ten years ago. In our current situation, if both referendum questions were to pass the total tax implication would be $1.89 per $1000 assessed value. Even with this increase, the mill rate for school taxes would still be about $0.70 per $1,000 less than it was in 2010. We have the opportunity to provide the necessary resources to our schools. We know that having a strong school system is important for our current students, our future students, and for the well-being of our entire community.
We are in a unique position to see first-hand the overwhelming support our community has shown for our schools, and we are extremely grateful. But, most importantly, we are honored to know that we are in this together, and can put our schools on a solid course for the future. Please join us in voting yes to both referendum questions on Nov. 8. Say yes to Monroe schools, say yes to our community, say yes to investing in our future.
