From Libby Strunz

Monroe

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the School District of Monroe operating referendum on the April ballot. I strongly support this measure because it is an important investment in our students, educators, families, and community. If the referendum fails, the school district will be forced to cut 22.5 staff positions, including an administrator, teachers, and support staff, resulting in larger class sizes, fewer supports for struggling learners, and fewer elective opportunities for students.

One common misconception is that these staff cuts are a natural result of declining enrollment. In reality, the district has already reduced more than 27 full-time staff positions over the past four years to adjust for lower enrollment. These reductions represent ongoing savings of nearly $2.5 million. These cuts have already been deeply felt across our schools, and additional cuts would be devastating for students, educators, and families. These proposed reductions are not just numbers — they are educators in our community who care deeply about students and their futures. They also represent lost opportunities for students: being reassigned to a different elementary school, learning in larger classes with less individualized attention, losing access to electives that could inspire future careers, or no longer receiving the extra support services that help them succeed and graduate.

Another misbelief is that funds from the building (capital) referendum for the new high school should be reallocated to cover these operating expenses. Operating and capital referendums have different functions under state law, and funding for a capital referendum cannot legally be used for operational costs. Both are important investments in the future of our schools.

Finally, some have suggested that the district has been financially irresponsible or is asking for more than neighboring districts. In fact, every other school district in Green County has already approved additional revenue through an operating referendum. This is part of a broader statewide challenge, as more than four in five Wisconsin school districts have gone to referendum since the current school funding model was implemented. It is the actions of state legislators who refuse to properly fund our schools at the state level, not financial irresponsibility on the part of our local school board, that has led to Monroe and other schools across our state to rely on referendums.

Please join me in voting YES to support our schools and our community.