To the editor,

My first ever letter to the editor comes as an ask for the community of River Falls to vote YES to the school district's referendum on Feb. 20. A vote for yes affirms support for our teachers and staff, keeps schools strong for our kids to learn and grow, and maintains the facilities used for critical learning in good working condition.
While the community of River Falls does a great job supporting the local school district, financial support for school districts across the state, just like ours, is lagging due to an outdated funding formula. As a former member
of the school board, I know that each member of the board makes the best possible decisions they can with the resources available all while keeping in mind what will have the greatest impact for the students. To preserve the
educational opportunities our community has come to expect, additional financial resources are needed. In short, the board and district would not come to this referendum decision if it were not needed.
Voting yes to both parts of the district's referendum means the following - our school facilities can be maintained and strengthened with needed upgrades that will be cheaper now versus in the future, the district will be able to
better retain and recruit quality teachers, a strong school district means home values remain high and our community is a destination for families to move to, and most importantly our kids continue to receive excellent educational opportunities that set them up for life long success.
As a resident with two children in the schools here in River Falls, I urge you to take the time to vote on Feb. 20 in support of our schools.

Kellen Wells-Mangold

River Falls