I ended last year with a blog about a community's support for its school. I begin this year with a blog in a similar vein. One week from tomorrow, most of the community will enter voting booths to decide the fate of the district's request for an increase in the excess levy. There is still time to become informed prior to having to make that decision. I urge all voters to seek out the answers to their questions prior to making their votes. Call the district office and ask the tough questions.

The reason for this advice? It is apparent that misinformation and misunderstanding still exists in the minds of some voters. I read a letter to the editor in the local paper that suggests this is true. The letter suggested that a $1000 tax bill was in the offing for property owners. For that to be true, the taxable market value of one's home would have to exceed $600,000. Also, this letter suggested that "our district is currently being funded quite handsomely through the normal channels" and "we just need more fiscal responsibility". An independent audit of the school district was recently completed. If one were to call the district office and ask to see the results of the audit, I'm not sure one would come to those same conclusions.

The Superintendent's blog talks about 21st Century skills for students. How will we be able to deliver those skills and keep students competitive if we can't retain staff and purchase new technology? Watch the video attached to Mr. Smith's blog. Ask yourself if we can continue with current funding and still produce the kind of results necessary for our kids to compete in the 21st Century.

The writer of that letter was right about one thing. This is about needs and wants. The community has to decide how much it needs to support its school and whether or not it wants the best possible educational opportunities for its students.