Votes, Voice, Value

How your vote could help save MPS

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It is October, senior year, seven months until you are out of MPS. Looking back on the last 12 years, you can see the many advantages you were given from the district.

As a kindergartener, your class size was small and you were able to receive more attention because of it. As a fourth grader, you were able to begin learning a new instrument. As a highschooler you had the option to take Japanese or Latin. You also had the opportunity to take eight classes every semester.

Unfortunately, the younger generation of MPS students may not be able to receive the same benefits as you did.

From a combination of a stagnant state aid, low property tax evaluations and an increasing inflation rate, the district has been forced to cut back on programs, staff and courses.

Throughout the years, MPS has seen low-impact cuts being made. We have seen a reduction in study center and library hours. We have seen the removal of small classes like Japanese and Latin.  However, there are no longer low-impact options to remove.

If the budget does not get balanced, the younger generation could lose opportunities that could leave a greater negative impact on them in the future.

Kindergarten class sizes could increase, fourth and fifth grade orchestra and band could be eliminated, and eight classes a semester may no longer be an option just as Latin and Japanese already are not. This would limit students in class choices, limit their exposure to curriculum, and ultimately limit their access to knowledge.

MPS could be completely changed, and not for the better. The district is at risk of losing the qualities that make it great, the qualities that make great students.

Yet, these cuts could be avoided. A tax levy override has been issued. If the levy passes, it could keep MPS flourishing  with opportunities for its students.

The levy override asks Millard residents to pay nine cents more per $100 of their home value. This would raise the district’s tax levy from $1.22, which is currently the lowest in the area, to $1.31. Even after the increase, MPS would have the second lowest tax levy in the area, only 1 cent more than Papillion-La Vista’s tax levy of $1.30.

Millard residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want the levy override via mail ballot. The ballot is due by Nov. 14.

You, if you are an 18-year old or older Millard resident, will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to pass the levy override.

And if you are not 18, and you do not live in the MPS district, you can still help by spreading the word to those who can vote on the issue.

Now, it’s senior year. Your Millard career is nearing an end. The last 12 years have been packed with unique advantages and opportunities. It falls on your shoulders to help continue these advancements and opportunities for the future generations. Your younger siblings and younger peers depend on this change.