Dear Editor:

I am writing to express how PROUD I am to be voting YES for our school referendum and to encourage others in our community to do the same. Our school is not just an educational institution; it is the heart of our community. It fosters connections, nurtures our children, and shapes the future leaders of our society. It fosters relationships among families, encourages community involvement, and offers a safe space for children to learn and grow. Beyond academics, schools host events, sports, and activities that bring residents together, strengthening community ties. Investing in our school means investing in our community. Without a vibrant school, we risk losing the very essence of what makes our community thrive.

A thriving school enhances property values and attracts new families, making it an essential asset for the overall well-being and vitality of the community. Schools are a significant factor for many homebuyers when choosing where to live, as they often seek quality education for their children. The absence of a local school can make the area less attractive, leading to reduced demand for housing. This decreased demand can result in lower property values, impacting homeowners' equity and overall financial stability.

Many districts across Wisconsin, including ours, are grappling with tight budgets as state aid has not kept pace with rising costs. This fall, 80 schools are seeking operational referendums to address these financial shortfalls and ensure that students receive the quality education they deserve. By voting in favor of our referendum, we can help bridge the gap created by insufficient state support and provide our children with the resources they need to succeed. Not supporting this referendum poses the risk of having to close our school in the very near future. Closing our school would not only disrupt the educational experience for our children but would also lead to increased costs for taxpayers. If our school were to close, we would need to transport students to other districts, incurring significant busing expenses. Moreover, our current school tax would not simply disappear; instead, we would continue to pay taxes based on the new districts we join, many of which have higher levies than our own. This means that, rather than alleviating financial burdens, closing our school could ultimately result in greater costs for our community, all while compromising the quality of education our children receive.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that transparency is a priority for our district. All financial information, including budgets and expenditures, is readily available to taxpayers through various channels, such as newspaper articles, school board agendas, and reports published on the district’s website. Additionally, school board meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for community members to engage, ask questions, and voice their opinions. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources to gain a clearer understanding of how funds are allocated and to participate in the important conversations that shape our school and community. Your input is invaluable, and we are committed to keeping the lines of communication open.

Please vote informed,

Robyn Renderman

O-W Community Member

O-W Parent

O-W School Board Member