We should have approved the Hudson School District referendum
This letter to the editor, by Laurie Harmon, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on December 5, 2024.
As a retired, 22-year veteran teacher in the Hudson School District, I was saddened to learn that the November 5th HSD Operational Referendum had not passed. Since then, I learned that over 1,400 voters left the question unanswered on their ballots. A better understanding of why seemingly wealthy districts like Hudson have to ask their communities for more money might help those non-voters make a decision.
School funding can be complicated, consisting of many factors, including inflation, revenue caps, and student enrollment. The way the state funds districts, however, has created our current predicament, and Hudson is not unique. Over 193 Wisconsin districts had to go to referenda this year alone, and one big reason is over $702 million in public education funds have been lost to private vouchers and independent charter schools. Further, monies sent to local school districts have not kept up with inflation, especially because of the dollars going to voucher schools.
Just as concerning, Wisconsin has withheld funding for many public schools, creating a huge state budget surplus of over $4 billion. Rightfully releasing these funds would prevent districts from asking for operational referendums that leave local property taxpayers to foot the bill.
As citizens of Wisconsin, we must demand that our districts, communities, and students receive the proper funding. Public school education is worth saving. Most importantly, if our district doesn’t get appropriate funding, Hudson students, schools, families, and the community could likely see school closings, larger class sizes, loss of critical staff, reductions in special programs, and unfavorable transportation changes, to name a few.
We can still help. Contact our local representatives (Rob Stafsholt and Shannon Zimmerman), and tell them it’s unacceptable that so many districts have to go to referenda while billions of dollars are withheld from the districts and the students who need them.
We may also have another chance to vote YES to the referendum in April 2025, when it will likely be on the ballot again. Strong public schools benefit everyone! Please vote YES to Hudson schools.