From: Rachel Schardt, Chairman

Teri (Hayes) Ellefson, Treasurer

Say YES to Monroe Schools committee members

To the editor:

We are proud to be the leaders of the Say YES to Monroe Schools Committee. We are proud of our schools and proud of our amazing community. We know that strong schools are the key to strong communities and Monroe continues to show this to be true. In November 2016, our community showed overwhelming support for our schools by passing both referendums to keep our schools strong and sustainable. 

There will be two referendum questions on the ballot. The first question is to approve $1.5 million each year for 5 years for operating costs. This question is on the ballot again because the previous operating referendum will end. This is not new money, but simply a continuation of the referendum that was passed in 2016. The second question is for building updates that will allow for much needed improvements to HVAC, ADA compliance and energy efficiency.

The Monroe school district recently approved the lowest tax rate in two decades. We are thankful that the district has been good stewards of our tax dollars and we now have the opportunity to continue 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 November 6th. Say YES to Monroe schools, say YES to our community, say YES to investing in our future.