To the editor:
On Nov. 3 there will be a referendum in the Tigerton School District to increase the spending to the district so that the school district will be able to continue operating. This is not because of poor budgeting on the district’s part, but rather inadequate and reduced school funding from the state that doesn’t take into account the financial challenges of rural districts.
No matter how I look at the issue I come to the same conclusion: Vote “Yes.”
When I look at it as a teacher, I have dedicated 27 years (my whole teaching career) to the Tigerton School District, and I believe in the quality education we provide our students. I believe in small rural schools and the advantages they have over larger districts. Even though we are small and lack some of the resources of larger schools, we have earned several awards at both the elementary and secondary levels that acknowledge the high-quality education we provide.
Second is from the viewpoint of a parent. My husband and I had three children go through the Tigerton School District. All three have attended or are presently attending a post-secondary school. Tigerton schools successfully prepared all three so that they could excel in their post-secondary schooling.
Third is from the viewpoint of the property owner. Voting yes doesn’t mean your property taxes will increase. It means your taxes will maintain at their current level and are actually projected to slightly decrease over the next five years. If the referendum doesn’t pass and the school district dissolves, your taxes will more than likely increase significantly. Not only will you be paying for the debt burden of a dissolved school district, but also for the expenses of the new school district you will become a part of; whether it be Marion, Wittenberg or Bowler (depending on where you live).
Finally, as a resident of Tigerton, I believe the school system is the heart of our small town. Without our school, Tigerton will no longer be Tigerton.
So, yes, I will be voting yes on Nov. 3 and strongly urge you to also.
Wanda Minniecheske,
Tigerton
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