With the end of the school year in sight, I want to take a moment to share an update with our community to share updates on our schools and address topics that are important to our families as we think about finishing the school year strong.

First, I want to acknowledge that there has been some confusion and concern surrounding the recent cut to the gymnastics program. We understand how meaningful this program has been to students and families, and we recognize that its reduction was disappointing to those directly impacted. I want to be very clear: Marshall Public Schools remains committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for our students. We have not turned down any legitimate opportunity to keep programs in place, and all of the cuts that occurred this spring were made strictly for financial reasons. A recent letter to the editor suggested otherwise, and that characterization is simply not accurate. Since the decision was made, we have continued to explore ideas brought forward by community members, but at this time, we do not yet have a solution that would provide a sustainable, longterm path forward.

We are also listening closely to our community and understand that there are still voices who would have preferred a different outcome. These perspectives matter, and they are not taken lightly. The referendum this past fall, if successful, would have prevented the need for these cuts. Unfortunately, the financial realities made action necessary this spring. Our School Board remains firmly dedicated to securing a strong and stable financial future for Marshall Public Schools, and doing so required many difficult decisions. Every position, program, and budget area was reviewed, and there were no easy choices. Throughout this process, the Board and administration have worked to balance community input with the responsibility to maintain a safe, equitable, and respectful learning environment for all students.

As we look ahead to the end of the school year, there is much happening across our schools. This is state testing season, and our students are currently participating in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in reading and math. These assessments, along with our ongoing progress monitoring in reading throughout the year, help teachers make informed decisions about curriculum, intervention, and enrichment. This year, we implemented changes to our assessment plan, and we are encouraged by the student growth data we have seen so far. We are looking forward to reviewing endofyear results and using that information to continue improving instruction and supports for our learners.

In the coming weeks, many classrooms and grade levels will also be participating in endofyear field trips. These experiences provide valuable handson learning opportunities and are a meaningful way to celebrate the hard work students have done throughout the year.

As we wrap up another school year, I remain optimistic about the future of Marshall Public Schools. We are proud of our students, grateful for our dedicated staff, and appreciative of the ongoing support from our families and community. Thank you for your continued partnership, thoughtful engagement, and commitment to our schools. Together, we will continue working to provide the very best for the students of Marshall.

— Jeremy Williams is superintendent of Marshall Public Schools