Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in classrooms, hallways, games and events — hearing from teachers, staff and families about the momentum our students are building. I’m proud of the work happening across Marshall schools.

I’ve also been talking with community partners about where we’re headed. At the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, we highlighted how the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program helps produce job-ready graduates who are ready to fill the local positions our businesses need. I greatly appreciated the encouragement and engagement among the Chamber members.

Many people have been asking recently about the district’s financial challenges and the future of our schools. We’ve made difficult cuts, and without action, additional deficits are looming. That’s why there’s an operating levy on the November ballot. It would provide $2 million each year for the next decade. If approved, this funding would stabilize our budget so we can protect class sizes and sustain programs like CTE.

I’ve enjoyed the conversations, and I appreciate the chance to answer your questions. With that in mind, I would like to address a few of the ones I have been hearing most often.

Why is the district proposing an operating levy referendum now?

Last year, the School Board made difficult cuts and tapped emergency reserves to balance the budget. Despite our best efforts to control rising costs, the shortfall is $1.8 million this year and is projected to double over the next four years. The operating levy would support day-to-day operations �’ protecting class sizes, staff, and core programs �’ and reduce the need to use reserves that should be saved for real emergencies, such as this summer’s flooding that impacted so many.

What is the district doing to improve the district’s financial situation?

Unlike most Minnesota districts, we currently operate without a voter-approved operating levy. Our levy expired in 2018, and a 2022 request to reinstate it did not pass. Since then, we’ve stretched every dollar — including now-depleted federal COVID relief funds. We consistently advocate for more state support, work hard to control rising costs, and make the tough cuts to balance the budget each year.

Across Minnesota, many districts face the same growing gap between rising costs and state funding and are seeking additional local funding. Our School Board reached the same conclusion: We cannot build on our gains in areas such as early literacy, math and science while cutting the budget year after year.

What happens if the referendum isn’t approved by voters in November?

If voters reject the referendum, the school board has identified budget cuts that will be unavoidable. Student programming, transportation and staff positions would be directly impacted by the cuts, including the reduction of 29 educators. Class sizes would increase by up to 20%, and fewer specialists would be available to provide extra academic support. Several student activities, including softball, speech, track, and gymnastics, could be lost.

What happens if the referendum is approved?

If voters approve, the levy will provide about $765 per student, and every dollar will go directly to the general fund, which supports classrooms, staff, curriculum and transportation.

In practical terms, the additional funding will support academic and student services, sustain our career and technical education programs, and help pay for the supplies, materials, and technology teachers use every day. It also will fund essentials that keep schools open and safe, including utilities, cleaning and groundskeeping.

With this financial stability, we can focus on teaching and learning and continue building on our academic progress.

I encourage all eligible residents to take part in this important community decision. Early voting is already underway, and you can vote early by visiting the district office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. If you can’t make it in-person, request an absentee ballot application and mail it before Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

As always, thank you for supporting Marshall Public Schools!

— Jeremy Williams is superintendent of Marshall Public Schools