From Bob Erb

Monroe

To the Editor:

In the coming weeks, Monroe will decide whether to approve an operating referendum that supports our school district. I hope our neighbors will take a moment to consider what strong schools mean not only for students, but for the long-term strength of our entire community.

I had the privilege of serving on our school board for 12 years, including several years as board president. During that time, I saw firsthand the dedication of our teachers, administrators, and staff to preparing young people for their futures. Our schools work hard to stretch every dollar and provide opportunities that help students succeed. Our funding formula at the state level has caused many Wisconsin districts to use referendums to preserve quality education, and Monroe is no different.

On a personal level, I am the product of a public education that changed the trajectory of my life. Despite being from a broken home and relying on free and reduced lunch offerings for many years in school, the education I received opened doors for me to attend college and graduate school, and ultimately build a fulfilling career. In turn, that career has allowed me to help others in our community as I was once helped myself. A quality public education was the strong foundation that made those opportunities possible.

Let there be no doubt that strong schools are essential to strong communities. An investment in our schools is an investment in our future residents and in the vitality of our community. Recent academic growth results in Monroe show our schools are on the rise, and we are at a critical point where we need to decide whether to support continuing that journey or whether these efforts, despite their recent success, aren’t what we value for our community.

This referendum is about maintaining the quality and stability of our school system so that the next generation of students has the same opportunities many of us were fortunate to receive. As a young student, I was the beneficiary of the strong schools others provided for me, and I support giving today’s kids, particularly those faced with the same financial challenges I once was, the opportunity to change their lives for the better.

Supporting our schools is one of the most important things we can do for our community’s future. I encourage residents to learn about the referendum and consider voting in support of it.