In the Eau Claire Area School District, we spend 8.4% less per-student than the average of other districts in Wisconsin. Eau Claire schools have a long history of spending wisely and doing more with less. But now the district has been forced to go into debt just to keep up with these already lower-than-average costs. Our children are suffering the consequences of this imbalance. Our children deserve better.
A 2016 Eau Claire referendum will ask voters to help with these issues by approving a property tax increase to address the ongoing budget shortfall. Obviously, no one likes paying more taxes. But more funding is needed if we wish to attract and retain quality teachers — who make such a difference — and to maintain effective and safe learning environments for our kids. Aren’t our children worth it?