To the editor:

As a counselor and advocate for Marshall students, I have the privilege of witnessing how strong support for our schools can shape lives.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, residents in our district will make a big decision for our district. Voters will decide whether to reinstate an operating levy of $675 per pupil.

With no current levy in place to help fund general education, inadequate state funding and soon-to-expire COVID relief funds will soon leave a gap in funding of nearly $2 million. A new levy would help protect class sizes, pay for classroom expenses, and maintain the services that students rely on.

Investing in our schools is an investment in our community.

I encourage you to learn more about the referendum by visiting TomorrowsTigers.org and vote on or before Nov. 8.

Krista Bjella

Marshall

— Krista Bjella is a school counselor at Marshall Public Schools and executive director of Pride in the Tiger Foundation