MARSHALL — In recent news that the Marshall Public School District is calling for a voter-led $2 million operating levy with a special election held this November, the district has launched a website for the public to access information.

The website, tomorrowstigers.org, went live on Wednesday and can be used as a resource for those seeking information regarding the referendum plan, district challenges, anticipated cuts, potential tax impacts and voting details.

“This website is part of our commitment to transparency. We want every resident to have the facts and understand the financial realities we’re facing,” Superintendent Jeremy Williams said in a statement. “We’ve made hard decisions and worked hard to protect classrooms, but our current path is not sustainable without stable, local funding.”

The school board officially voted to pursue the referendum at the June 16 meeting, which proposes a 10-year levy that would generate $2 million for the district annually with $765 per pupil, and adjust each year with inflation.

The district is facing a $1.1 million deficit for the 2024-25 school-year ending balances, covered by reserve spending, and is projecting a nearly $1.8 million deficit for the upcoming school year.

The website also holds a feature for residents to calculate more precisely what their tax impact on property will be, if the referendum is to pass.

It’s estimated that a $225,000 residential homestead would see a $26 monthly tax increase, while homesteads valued at $100,000 will increase by approximately $11 a month, and $500,000 will increase around $57 monthly.

Property tax on agricultural land and seasonal properties will not increase.

The school board directed the district in April to cut $350,000 for the 2025-26 school year, to begin offsetting the deficit. Specifically, software purchasing will be reduced by at least $7,000, supply budgets by 1%, expenditures for high school programming by $5,500 (which could be offering one less course), eliminating two media aide staffing positions, and reorganizing custodial and nursing staffing for a savings of at least $25,000 and $11,000 respectively.

The website also details that without additional funding, the district expects emergency reserve funding to run out by 2029.

“This is an important decision that only voters can make,” school board Chair Matt Coleman said in a statement. “Our goal is to make sure they have the facts they need to make an informed decision. We encourage residents to explore the website, ask us questions and get to know the challenges we’re trying to address on behalf of our community.”

Early voting for the referendum will take place Sept. 19 through Nov. 3 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the district office, while election day will be Nov. 4 at the middle school, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.