– Editorial – - Vote yes on Cadott School referendum

By Editorial Board

Last year, voters in the Cadott School District made the choice to make a continued investment in their school and community’s future, by approving a $9.9 million referendum.

Approving that referendum was the right thing to do, to address identified concerns within the school. After the dust settled and new administrative leadership came on board, it was found that it would not be enough to address other concerns that have come to light. The goal is to get the most bang for taxpayer dollars and the previously passed referendum, misses that mark.

There is a saying among carpenters, “Measure twice, cut once.” This is valid advice, not only in the building trades, but generally, in life. However, even measuring twice doesn’t prevent an incorrect cut from being made all the time. In those cases, the carpenter will use the piece they cut somewhere else, but will have to get a new board.

That is what is currently happening in Cadott. School administration and board members recognized that by expanding the project, they could get much more bang for taxpayers’ dollars and address more projects in the school building, to serve both educational and community needs.

The school board is asking voters to approve a $24.5 million referendum. If approved, it would replace the $9.9 million referendum approved last year.

There is no doubt, this is a big ask for local voters and taxpayers to support. It reflects a once-in-a-generation level of commitment and investment, in the school facilities and buildings. Such an investment will define the school for decades to come.

During a recent listening session, district administrator Josh Spaeth said “[T]he school is the face of the community. We have a great district and we want to continue to be great.”

Schools are anchors for communities. This is especially true in rural communities, where they serve functions of not only providing for education, but of being focal points in the community. In an increasingly mobile society, families make choices about where they will live, based on the quality of education.

Any realtor will tell you that among the top questions asked by young families buying homes, is about the quality of the local schools. The same sort of question is asked during the recruiting process for new teachers and staff.

A district that invests in its school infrastructure, is a district that cares about and places a high priority on education. It is a community that looks to the future and what can be, rather than simply maintaining the status quo.

School officials estimate the cost of the referendum on a $100,000 home will be about $165 a year. This will definitely impact household budgets, some more than others.

At the same time, it is an investment, not only in the school, but in the community and is money well spent.

Members of the Courier Sentinel editorial board include publisher Carol O’Leary, general manager Kris O’Leary and Star News editor Brian Wilson.