Dear Editor,
Until our state legislators change the laws funding public education, our schools need our help. Our school district is asking for help in funding basic educational needs, nothing more, and has reduced their ask once again, for a period of only 3 years. Another failed referendum will require even further cuts and the risk of closure down the road is a real possibility. Sadly, many schools in our state have already been forced to close.
Our schools play an important role in attracting and retaining families in our community. Without schools, there will be significantly fewer people living here. What will happen to our community then? Who will buy and rent homes here? What will happen to our home values? Can the city maintain its services with fewer tax dollars coming in? Will businesses be challenged with fewer people to support them? How will our hospital & clinics be adequately staffed when they are already challenged?
Please note that if our schools close, students will be divided and bussed to neighboring communities. Parents will pay that community’s mill rate which is more (at this time) than Dodgeville’s mill rate, even with a passed referendum.
The negative consequences are real, and the list goes on and on.
My four children graduated from Dodgeville years ago, and now I want to support other families and their children by keeping our schools strong. Our entire community will ultimately benefit as well.
Let’s not take our schools for granted. Please join me in voting YES for the operating referendum. We can strive for a long-term solution if we elect legislators who will adequately fund public education once again.
Lauren Thuli
Dodgeville resident for 40 yrs