To the editor,

Here in Prescott, we face another excess levy referendum. We have had them before, and sadly, most likely will have them again. No matter what some politicians have said, Wisconsin has stopped supporting schools at the state level. The problems of Prescott, no matter the social media rants, don’t start here.

First, at the federal level the 1974 Individual with Disabilities Act called for the federal government to pay 40% of the costs for the services mandated in the Act. Prescott, by law, has to follow these laws, as it should for our most needy students. But the shortfall has cost Prescott $1.8 million per year recently, depleting available funds for normal operations and students. Let the feds know your displeasure.

Second, Wisconsin has turned its back on our students and universities. “A new analysis from 2023 by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, of funding for public higher education shows support for Wisconsin’s technical colleges ranks fifth in the nation, while support for state universities ranks 43rd.” 43rd? Where has our money gone? The taxpayers chipped in $250 million for a Bucks Arena in Milwaukee, and now are being asked to pay for renovations. The rationalizations for arena and stadium funding have proven to be promoter hype, while the best return on public investment is education, (WorldBank, 2023: each year of education has a 9% return.) And the Brewers received over $450 million just last fall for Miller Park. Corporate Welfare? To pursue arena and stadium funding check here: fieldofschemes.com

Since 2009, Wisconsin has been in steady decline in educational funding after inflation and COLA are factored in. We fell from 11th nationally, to 25th, and now spend below the national average. The per student funding gap is over $3,000. But we are told fairy tales by some, which far too many believe.

Prescott ranks 75th of the 421 Wisconsin School Districts in quality. So we are getting our money's worth. In all measures Prescott ranks above the state average in quality, while providing great opportunities for our students in Forensics, Speech, AP classes, National History Day competition (Prescott had its first national qualifier last year), music, choir, and more. Not to mention athletics or dance.

All this has been done with a faculty pay scale that may be the lowest in the Middle Border Conference.  This pay scale has cost Prescott many talented, dedicated teachers over the years, as a 5-mile drive can mean a $10,000 pay raise. Prescott has worked hard to find the dedicated teachers, who, no matter the pay, still do the best for our children. And a loyal contingent of experienced teachers have stayed with us for their love of our children and city.

The school board has shown fiscal acuity by tracking and negotiating our debt and interest payments, saving us well over a million dollars recently, which pushed back our financial crisis to RIGHT NOW. So the kids need our help. Look behind the smoke screens of certain state politicians who present incomplete, shallow data to muddy the waters. Do some basic research and civilly challenge their assertions at every point, ask for specifics and details; that is a citizen's job. Failed referendums in the past have wasted well over $10 million; we can’t afford to do it again.

 One single thing is true, a community grows with its children. Vote YES for our kids on April 2.

Dallas Eggers

Prescott

PHS Class of 1970