Vote “YES” for Our Local Community

On November 5th, District 196 residents will have the opportunity to vote on a levy referendum question that will provide additional funding for our public schools.  The District 196 administration has provided the relevant facts that help answer the questions that many of us have such as, “What will be cut if the levy is not passed?”, “What cuts has the District already made?”, and “How will the levy affect my property taxes?” on its website (district196.org).  I encourage everyone to get informed before voting on Election Day.

In addition to understanding the financial details of the levy, I would encourage voters to consider two other factors you will not see on the District’s website.

1. We live in a global economy that rewards the best educated.  Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders and employees.  District 196 schools must produce world-class students that can compete not only across the State of Minnesota, but across the globe.  A well-educated workforce is essential to our local economy and Minnesota’s long-term economic success.
2. Supporting the levy benefits our community directly.  The additional money raised by the levy does not flow back to the State or Federal Government.  We have witnessed everything from education payment shifts at the state, to the current government shut down and debt ceiling debate at the federal level.  The local levy on the ballot this fall helps to ensure the financial stability of our schools despite the political games played by state and federal politicians.

Making further cuts to our local schools is not a long-term winning strategy.  Supporting the levy will directly benefit our local schools, our children, and the future talent pool for local businesses.  Vote “yes” on November 5th in support of strong District 196 schools.