To the editor,

To River Falls School District voters:

School district referendums asking for more money now and into the future should be delayed for the following reasons:

1. Increased homeschooling

2. School choice

3. Unknown energy costs due to the phase out of nuclear and fossil fuels

4. The introduction of AI at an accelerated rate

5. The 2024 election results

These are known unknowns. One could argue that one and two above are very probable to decrease or keep flat student enrollment. Energy costs could continue soaring if the Green New Deal continues to be implemented, hence energy costs could drive a complete new heating/cooling system and force building renovations to comply with government regulations. However, 2024 elections will shed light on future energy costs - all known probabilities with no known costs.

The rapid introduction of AI is going to dramatically change the way education is delivered as far as

teacher involvement, expertise, and teacher compensation.

My recommendation is to vote no to the referendum in 2024 and present a new one in 2025 when these known unknowns are more quantifiable.

Michael J. Gardner

River Falls