From Bryan Gadow, Nikki Matley, Mike Sanders, Richard Thoman, Matt Urban and Cara Carper

Green County Development Corporation Executive Committee and Director

To the editor:

Strong school districts are crucial to the economic health of Green County. High-quality schools increase property values, support local businesses and serve as catalysts for revitalization. Workforce talent is recruited to Green County because of our schools and companies grow and thrive here because of our talented workforce.

Preparing students for additional education, job training and good careers greatly contributes to a strong economy. The economic benefits of great schools begin with the students but don’t end there. 

Strong schools attract families and businesses, boosting the local economy. Schools that offer safe, up-to-date facilities and technology attract families looking for quality education for their children. The quality of schools available for the children of potential new employees can be a deal maker or breaker. People will move to a new place if a great school is ready to welcome their children. 

Families build more and better relationships with other families in their community, building community cohesion and trust. Families become connected through strong schools. Relationships developed in school create stronger family ties within the community, leading to an environment of cohesion and trust.

Our schools function like community centers, offering opportunities that build the health and wellbeing of residents nearby. Strong schools attract positive attention from all over the community. They serve as the centers of their community by hosting sporting events, theater performances, and other community events. Schools are the centers of our communities.

Teachers and staff contribute to our economy. There are also the economic benefits that come from teachers and staff living and working in our communities. In addition to having a place to call home, there are the day-to-day transactions that benefit the local economy, like buying groceries or going out for dinner. 

Green County is fortunate to have many strong school districts. Two of these school districts, Monroe and New Glarus, are seeking voter support in their referenda questions on November 6. To learn more about the issues surrounding these referenda go to your local school website. To learn more about elected officials and how they support public education go to: www.vote411.org or www.myvote.wi.gov.

Green County Development Corporation works with communities and businesses to build the economic future of Green County through public-private partnerships.