Dear editor,

In the 50 years our family has lived in Marshfield, the public school system has been known for providing a quality education that meets the needs of all students and abilities. Our students have done well in their post-high school lives, including being prepared for college, technical school, military, or directly into the job market.

In recent years our advanced placement program has become a stellar advantage for students who can earn college credits while still in high school and thereby possibly reducing the cost of their higher education. This academic excellence is due to the fact that we have been blessed with skilled teachers at all levels who go beyond their job description to provide enrichment and encouragement to “their” students.

Due to the Act 10 legislation, the state support of local school districts has fallen in recent years with the state limiting the amount that local districts can levy for the operating budget. The upcoming referendum gives us an opportunity to supplement the state and local levy funding to continue to provide educational services and maintenance to the entire district, not just a select few, and this referendum request can be passed with very little additional funds — approximately an additional $25 per year.

I urge you to look at the list of proposed cuts, worth over $3 million, which can be found at marshfieldschools.org. On Nov. 8 please vote “yes” for our schools.

Gerri Toyama

Marshfield