To the editor,

My husband and I received our absentee ballots on Monday. The ballot contained only the two referendum questions for operations and building improvements. We immediately voted YES for both questions and sent in our ballots.

I have seen some say that they are voting NO because the school was not frugal with their spending. THIS IS HOGWASH! Our River Falls School District receives $11,000 per pupil which means it is tied with the lowest districts funded in the state, yet our district scores better than 85% of school districts in the state on testing achievement scores. We have a blue-ribbon prize-winning school district, and we need to keep it that way.

For those with children or who might have children in the future, VOTE YES on both questions to ensure the children continue to receive a great education. For those without children, VOTE YES to ensure that the people funding your social security are able to be good productive earners.

Public education is the backbone of our country’s success around the world. Public education unifies the nation and is the foundation of our democracy. VOTE YES on both referendum questions to keep our school district, our state, and our nation strong.

Cheryl Maplethorpe

Town of Clifton