From Chris Soukup
Monroe
To the editor:
I am writing in support of a "yes" vote to both Monroe School District referendum questions on the Nov. 8 ballot. I recently heard someone say that only people with children in school will benefit from the referendum passing, but I could not disagree more. The quality of a school district is a societal issue, not a parental issue. If the referendums fail, we will see cuts to staffing levels across our schools, and a reduction in available programs and activities in which students can participate. This will have an impact on every resident in Monroe, not just families with students.
Data shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a significantly higher chance of graduating from high school than those who don't. If programs are limited, less students will have access to activities that appeal to them, and we will see an increase in dropout rates. High school dropouts have a much higher probability of engaging in criminal activity, lower occupational prospects, poorer physical and mental health, and a far higher rate of reliance on governmental assistance. So, we can either pay for an education now, or pay for other consequences later.
Also, staff at our schools who may be subject to cuts aren't just staff at our schools. They are a large part of our community and local economy. They buy houses from realtors, shop in our stores, eat at our restaurants, and volunteer for our non-profits. They are our neighbors, friends, and customers of our businesses. And you will never find people more passionate and caring about what they do anywhere else.
Furthermore, quality of schools is a large factor for families choosing where to live. If schools become sub-par, it will become harder for local companies to attract talented employees. Quality physicians and nurses may choose to work elsewhere because they want their kids to have more opportunities, having a negative impact on our healthcare facilities. Businesses will be less likely to move here, or expand existing operations. Property values could eventually drop, which correlates with higher crime rates.
So please, don't think this issue doesn't apply to you if you don't have kids, because it greatly affects all of us. Monroe is a great city, with great public facilities. If we wish to remain a truly prospering community, passing this referendum will be of the utmost importance. Answer yes on Nov. 8.
Monroe
To the editor:
I am writing in support of a "yes" vote to both Monroe School District referendum questions on the Nov. 8 ballot. I recently heard someone say that only people with children in school will benefit from the referendum passing, but I could not disagree more. The quality of a school district is a societal issue, not a parental issue. If the referendums fail, we will see cuts to staffing levels across our schools, and a reduction in available programs and activities in which students can participate. This will have an impact on every resident in Monroe, not just families with students.
Data shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a significantly higher chance of graduating from high school than those who don't. If programs are limited, less students will have access to activities that appeal to them, and we will see an increase in dropout rates. High school dropouts have a much higher probability of engaging in criminal activity, lower occupational prospects, poorer physical and mental health, and a far higher rate of reliance on governmental assistance. So, we can either pay for an education now, or pay for other consequences later.
Also, staff at our schools who may be subject to cuts aren't just staff at our schools. They are a large part of our community and local economy. They buy houses from realtors, shop in our stores, eat at our restaurants, and volunteer for our non-profits. They are our neighbors, friends, and customers of our businesses. And you will never find people more passionate and caring about what they do anywhere else.
Furthermore, quality of schools is a large factor for families choosing where to live. If schools become sub-par, it will become harder for local companies to attract talented employees. Quality physicians and nurses may choose to work elsewhere because they want their kids to have more opportunities, having a negative impact on our healthcare facilities. Businesses will be less likely to move here, or expand existing operations. Property values could eventually drop, which correlates with higher crime rates.
So please, don't think this issue doesn't apply to you if you don't have kids, because it greatly affects all of us. Monroe is a great city, with great public facilities. If we wish to remain a truly prospering community, passing this referendum will be of the utmost importance. Answer yes on Nov. 8.
