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To the editor,

What a joy to live in a community with a thriving economy, instant access to quality healthcare and

higher education, and excellent K-12 education. Thank goodness we are still able to attract and retain

quality teachers in the school district. Their commitment to a rigorous curriculum and heart-warming character education is on par with the best schools in the country.

But the state funding formula is making this incredibly challenging, covering less of our costs every year. And we aren’t alone. Fifteen of our neighboring districts have been forced to present a referendum in just the past four years, all of which were approved. Over 80% of all school districts in the state have been forced to seek referendum support. That is astounding!

River Falls receives the minimum amount of revenue allowed by the state, $11,000 per student. Hudson, for some reason, receives $12,348 per student but still needed a $29 million referendum. Madison, of course, receives $14,025 per student.

I am so grateful to the River Falls School District and Board of Education for proposing a referendum at this time to maintain our quality programming, improve the much-needed security system, and make past-

due upgrades to the facilities. They are all overdue!

For the same price as hiring a plumber or electrician for two hours, I can do my part to make these

changes a reality. I’m proud to be able to do so. Nothing is getting cheaper. The time to pass this

referendum is now.

Carole Mottaz

River Falls