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School Funding in Minnesota: An operating levy vs. a referendum To the Editor: In order to understand why the MCW School District has a referendum on the ballot for May 14th, it is important to have a basic understanding of how schools are funded in Minnesota. Some have proposed that MCW asks for an operating levy instead of a referendum, and this editorial will provide more insight as to why that is NOT a financially sound plan. According to the Center for Rural Policy and Development, “although Minnesota’s K-12 schools get their funding from a mix of local, state and federal ...

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Letters to the Editor

School Referendum aimed to address financial challenges To the Editor: If you have been following the news for the last few years, it is no surprise the MCW School District has been dealing with financial and facility challenges. These challenges are similar to those many school districts, especially rural school districts, across the state and country are experiencing. The greatest challenge is funding. We don’t receive enough money per students to meet our needs and the state requirements. We have a declining enrollment, as many others across the state are also experiencing. This ...

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Letters to the Editor

Fiscal sustainability To the Editor: What is the driving force behind the MCW referendum? Above and beyond all is fiscal sustainability. That might seem like an interesting reason, as building a new school is not cheap. However, all other options paint a bleak picture for the future of OUR school district. A thorough financial analysis has been completed by the school board and district leadership. Building a one campus facility is the most fiscally sound option for both the district and the taxpayer and will ensure we can operate the school district for decades to come. Why is ...

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Letters to the Editor

CREST salutes volunteers during Volunteer Month To the Editor: Enhancing the Quality of Life for Those We Serve. That is the mission statement for CREST and during the month of April CREST salutes the wonderful volunteers that help make the program successful. CREST volunteers offer vital help to people in need but the benefits have proven to be greater for the volunteer as the right match can help them find new friends and connect with the community. CREST volunteers have stepped forward to make a difference in the lives of those we call our care receivers. It’s an opportunity ...

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Letters to the Editor

Dark side to the lakes To the Editor: I would like to share my stories about growing up in Fairmont. It was a great town and I have a lot of happy memories from growing up on Hall Lake but there is a dark side to the lakes. I know the lakes were dredged to make them deeper and improve the fishing for tourism. This was never a witch hunt to shame the powers that be in Fairmont. It was a reckless act and I, in my beliefs, want to explain my position. I petitioned the Federal Super Fund to test the spoil sites to find out what was dredged out of those lakes. They believed my theories ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

MCW voters have bond referendum questions to consider To the Editor: The Martin County West School District will be asking voters to consider two bond referendum questions on May 14, 2024. The first referendum question proposed is for a $64.7 million bond that would fund a new PreK-12 grade school at the current high school site. This will address the school board s priorities of fiscal sustainability, quality learning spaces for all, and maximizing operating efficiencies throughout the District. Question two which is a proposed $2.04 million bond to build an auxiliary gymnasium ...