Dear editor,

Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) is proud to announce we are officially supporting the approval of Marshfield School District’s operational referendum on Nov. 8.

Supporting Marshfield schools is critical to the strength of MCHS and the well-being of the community as a whole. For us and for any organization that recruits people to live, work, and raise families in Marshfield, our excellent and nationally recognized schools are a major community selling point.

Absent referendum funding, our schools will struggle to recruit the best educators and be forced to make significant cutbacks to educational programs and personnel. Anything that damages the perception or resources of our schools will make recruiting the best people to MCHS, other local businesses, and the school district itself more challenging. Our highly regarded schools are without doubt a major engine of the Marshfield economy, and their strength must be maintained.

Just as important as the impact this referendum will have on local businesses is the impact it will have on our students. We know education is the key to opportunity for children. Cutting programs or personnel from our schools will negatively impact the quality of education our students receive. As parents, we always want the best for our children. As an organization, MCHS wants the best for every child in the Marshfield community.

As an institution committed to health and wellness, we know education is also a critical determinant of a healthy population. The statistical relationship between education and the health of Americans is striking:

—According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, a 25-year-old American adult without a high school diploma would be expected to die nine years sooner than a peer with a college diploma.

—According to recent data presented in Vital and Health Statistics, the prevalence of diabetes had reached 15 percent for adults without a high school education compared with 7 percent for college graduates

We also know supporting this referendum sends a clear message to our cherished teachers that we support them and understand the importance of their noble work.

A vote in support of funding our schools is a vote in support of creating the brightest possible future for our children, families, businesses, and community. We urge you to join us in supporting this referendum on Nov. 8.

Sincerely,

Marshfield Clinic Executive Director Dr. Narayana Murali