To the editor:
My wife and I moved back to Monroe 12 years ago after working 30-plus years on the East Coast. Although we are a retired couple and have no children or grandchildren in the Monroe school district, we urge voters to support both school referendum questions. The benefits of a quality education cannot be overstated, both in terms of our current students and the future well-being of this great community.
The state of Wisconsin has dramatically reduced its funding of school districts. The Monroe school district, like most school districts in Wisconsin, has significantly reduced staff and deferred needed operational and maintenance projects in order to meet budgets. All of the other school districts within Green County have already passed referendums to help offset these state funding reductions. Even if the voters in Monroe approve both of these two referendum questions, the revenue spent on a per-pupil basis would still be below that of the other school districts in Green County.
Since moving back to Monroe, we continue to be very impressed with the generosity and pride that citizens, businesses and corporations have in improving the quality of life in Monroe. There is no stronger proof of this than the type of generous support given to the Monroe school district. Many individuals and corporations have given both time and money in support of the various academic and sports programs.
No one likes to pay more taxes, but the dividends gained by supporting a strong school system are undeniable: Maintaining a high level of educational opportunities for our students; sustaining a knowledgeable work force; promoting Monroe as an excellent place to live and raise a family; and avoiding adverse economic impacts on the community through the lay-off of school district staff.
Please consider voting "yes" to the school referendum on Nov. 8.
My wife and I moved back to Monroe 12 years ago after working 30-plus years on the East Coast. Although we are a retired couple and have no children or grandchildren in the Monroe school district, we urge voters to support both school referendum questions. The benefits of a quality education cannot be overstated, both in terms of our current students and the future well-being of this great community.
The state of Wisconsin has dramatically reduced its funding of school districts. The Monroe school district, like most school districts in Wisconsin, has significantly reduced staff and deferred needed operational and maintenance projects in order to meet budgets. All of the other school districts within Green County have already passed referendums to help offset these state funding reductions. Even if the voters in Monroe approve both of these two referendum questions, the revenue spent on a per-pupil basis would still be below that of the other school districts in Green County.
Since moving back to Monroe, we continue to be very impressed with the generosity and pride that citizens, businesses and corporations have in improving the quality of life in Monroe. There is no stronger proof of this than the type of generous support given to the Monroe school district. Many individuals and corporations have given both time and money in support of the various academic and sports programs.
No one likes to pay more taxes, but the dividends gained by supporting a strong school system are undeniable: Maintaining a high level of educational opportunities for our students; sustaining a knowledgeable work force; promoting Monroe as an excellent place to live and raise a family; and avoiding adverse economic impacts on the community through the lay-off of school district staff.
Please consider voting "yes" to the school referendum on Nov. 8.
