To the editor:

Following the recent referendum failure, our district is making difficult decisions about budget reductions. Regardless of how any of us voted, we share a common goal: strong schools that support student success and responsible leadership. With the proposed budget set to go before the school board in early February, it is critical that we speak up now–before decisions become final.

I write not only as a community member, but also as a parent with children in the district and a substitute teacher who works directly in our classrooms. I see every day how much students rely on individualized attention and consistent support. Larger class sizes make it harder for teachers to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of each student. Is that the direction we want to go? Are we willing to accept classrooms where students receive less support simply because resources were cut without broader input?

Budget decisions should be transparent and balanced, with reductions thoughtfully considered across all areas–not placed primarily on teachers, classrooms, or student programming. Many residents have voiced concerns about equity in resource allocation, and those concerns deserve meaningful attention.

There are two upcoming school board meetings — Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 — open for public comment. Community members may also contact board representatives or Superintendent Williams directly to share feedback and priorities. Attending, asking questions, and offering constructive input are effective ways to help protect educational quality.

The choices made in the coming weeks will shape our children’s daily learning environment. Once class sizes grow and supports are reduced, it is much harder to reverse. If we want decisions to reflect what matters most to our community, we must engage now — while our voices can still influence the outcome.

Rebekah Matz

Marshall