To the editor:

Since my last letter to the editor, I’ve had a chance to continue to review the information that was sent to me by the director of finance at Marshall Public Schools.

One of the things that I found out is that our local district is paying 100% of health and/or dental insurance for 22 individuals. These individuals include the superintendent, principals, assistant principals, administration support and district office employees and do not include teachers in MEA.

The annual salaries for these individuals range from a low of $59,000 to a high of $175,000. And the annual health insurance expense for the employer (MPS) ranges from $10,270 to $27,443 per person (with 15 at $27,443) depending on whether single or family coverage was chosen. The district costs for dental insurance ranges between $528-$1,404 annually for each of those individuals (with 16 at $1,404).

I understand contracts and union negotiations go into consideration when dealing with select groups.

But I ask, what local employers offer 100% employer paid health and dental insurance benefits to their employees?

The district is saying that if the levy does not pass, it will have to make cuts to staff, teachers and programs, and even eliminating senior passes to events.

How about looking at cuts from the top down starting in the district office and expenses there?

Remember, this levy if approved can be extended/renewed for up to 10 additional years, and, with inflation added, would cost taxpayers in excess of $40 million dollars.

It won’t just be residential and commercial properties impacted by the referendum. Renters will surely be affected as well, as landlords will be forced with passing along rent increases.

Voting is at the District Office, now and on Nov. 4. located on the back side of the Marshall Middle School.

Please Vote.

Russ Labat

Marshall