Raising my family in Marshall, I learned firsthand the importance of community and the responsibility that comes with serving others. Over the years, I’ve seen how Marshall Public Schools shape not only our children’s lives, but the vitality of our entire town.

Serving as your school board chair has been a privilege. The trust you place in our board is not taken lightly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide the future of our schools.

Our board has worked side by side with district leaders to minimize the impact of ongoing financial challenges. We’ve made tough decisions, always with the goal of protecting student learning and opportunities. But after years of stretching every dollar, we’ve reached a point where additional and significant cuts are unavoidable.

That’s why we authorized a referendum this fall seeking an operating levy that would generate $2 million annually for the next 10 years. This would provide the financial stability to build on the academic progress we’ve made.

We cannot invest in our children’s future if we are forced to make major cuts to the budget year after year. Without new revenue, the choices ahead are difficult: fewer teachers and support staff, larger class sizes, reduced student programs and higher activity fees. Senior-citizen passes will no longer be free, and some beloved activities may be lost.

These decisions weigh heavily on all of us, but our commitment to balancing the budget remains firm. The quality of education and opportunities for our kids are at stake.

Early voting continues through Nov. 3, and Election Day is Nov. 4. All voting will take place in the District Office at the Marshall Middle School. This referendum is about more than numbers — it’s about the future of Marshall Public Schools. I encourage every resident to learn more at tomorrowstigers.org, use the tax calculator to see your impact and to reach out with questions.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools. Together, I know that we can help shape a strong future for every student in our district.

— Matt Coleman is Board chair on the Marshall Public Schools District board