To the editor:

As proud parents of four Marshall graduates, we’re grateful for the work Marshall Public Schools does for students. Strong schools make strong communities – which is why protecting opportunities for students to excel is so important.

Come Nov. 8, voters in Marshall Public School District will decide whether to approve an operating levy of $675 per pupil to stabilize the district’s finances and protect educational programs, staff levels and student services.

The district has managed without a levy since 2018 by carefully controlling costs and leaning on one-time COVID relief funds. However, the district’s financial situation is changing, and it faces an annual budget deficit of $2 million.

By generating an additional $1.8 million per year, the levy would protect the important nuts and bolts of education — classroom expenses like books, technology, staffing and programs like athletics and extracurriculars.

This is an important decision for every community member – so make sure to get out and vote! You can find voting instructions and details about the referendum at TomorrowsTigers.org.

Bill and Molly Archbold

Marshall