For the City Times
Submited by The League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area

STEVENS POINT – The League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area has announced its support for the two Stevens Point Area Public School District referendum questions on the November ballot. Stevens Point has joined a long list of school districts in Wisconsin that have asked taxpayers for additional funding to operate and maintain facilities in recent years.

“The decision to support the referendum was an easy one for us,” said Jeri McGinley, League board member. “We have members who regularly attend school board meetings and research state and local decisions affecting our public schools. We found the referendum’s purposes and the amount being requested to be in line with our local position regarding equitable and adequate taxation to support public schools.”

Funding for Stevens Point students is below the state average, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Stevens Point receives $9,695 per student and ranks 348th out of 422 school districts (per student revenue limit). Wausau receives $10,655 per student, close to the $10,555 state average.

“The state’s funding formula has been locked in place for 25 years and it is hurting school districts throughout the state,” McGinley said. “Stevens Point has been very fiscally responsible, but it’s time to provide adequate funds to properly maintain our facilities and continue providing the high quality public education our community values.”

The League will host an informational meeting on October 25, 2018 to provide voters with information about all of the referenda on the November ballot. Superintendent Craig Gerlach will be present to discuss the school district referendum. Voters can find facts about the school district referendum on the school district’s website: www.pointschools.net.

The League urges citizens to be informed and to vote on November 6.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.