Vote "YES" for School Referendum

Dear Editor,

I've lived in Dodgeville for over 40 years.  My husband graduated from DHS in 1970, our four children all attended and graduated from Dodgeville schools, and our two grandchildren are currently attending middle and high school here.  

Dodgeville is fortunate to have talented and dedicated teachers, staff, and school board members working hard to maintain quality education for our children, year after year.  I know how important it is that children are well-educated and well-rounded, both in academics and in extracurricular activities. We all benefit when they grow up to become competent and productive adults, playing a key role in thriving communities.

However, it is unfortunate that state funding for public schools has significantly decreased over the years and, even though our school district is spending its money wisely, it is no longer able to cover operating costs. Our school district, along with an unprecedented number of districts throughout Wisconsin, have no choice but to ask for help in funding their schools through a referendum.

No school district wants to go to referendum.  No one wants to pay increased taxes.  But we want our children to succeed and we want to live in a vibrant community.  If the referendum doesn't pass, there will be far greater & negative consequences to our children's education, and the attractiveness of our communities will diminish. There will be short-term borrowing with high interest rates. Cuts to teachers & staff. Fewer academic choices & extracurricular activities. Increased class sizes. Sports?  Yes, everything could be affected.

I've taken the time to educate myself about the upcoming referendum. I encourage you to do the same. The school district has a webpage with excellent information: www.dodgevilleschools.org/referendum.  There are also many public informational sessions (listed on the webpage), which are great opportunities to become informed and ask questions.  

I wholeheartedly support our schools, and will vote "YES" for the School Referendum on Nov 5th.  It is an invaluable investment in our children, our communities, our future. 

Lauren Thuli, Dodgeville, WI