It is time for Moorhead residents to step up and support what is important in these trying times. We will have an opportunity to vote on November 3, 2009, for an operating levy referendum that would provide the school district $850 per pupil in additional funds each year for the next 7 years beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

According to the Moorhead Public School’s website, the revenue generated from passing this referendum would be used to preserve and improve class sizes throughout the district, maintain and implement programs of choice for all students such as world language programming, arts programming, and science, technology, engineering and math programming, and enhance/expand student use of technology.

The need for this referendum is not because the district is being run poorly or because of the cost of the new schools. It is both a state wide and national problem that needs to be addressed. Currently, Moorhead Area Public Schools is one of 32 districts in the state that does not have voter-approved operating levy authority. The schools that do not have a levy, face making the same choices as Moorhead Public Schools which include cutting teachers and programs.

According to the Minnesota School Boards Association, currently 308 out of the state’s 340 school districts have voter-approved operating levy authority. Levies are not unusual and have become the only way for our schools to grow and develop. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the average operating levy amount for the 2009-10 school year for all Minnesota districts that have a voter-approved operating levy in place is $859. As a reminder, the Moorhead School district is asking for $850 per pupil which is right in line with what other districts are receiving from their local supporters.

As a parent and educator I will completely support the referendum. Our city needs quality schools and teachers to continue to grow and stay competitive in the coming years. I urge you to do the same and vote “Yes” on November 3, 2009.