Ask an Official: MAPS Superintendent discusses upcoming referendum, impact of state budget

This week’s featured question was submitted for MAPS Superintendent John Sample

The question reads:
“I heard about the assembly folks coming to Merrill last week and am pretty confused Mr. Sample. First off, the biggest thing that has been bugging me is whether or not we are going to have a referendum? I read something about it a while back, have heard there have been meetings but then when talking with others about it, I’m told no we aren’t having one and that it was just an idea to pay the bills? If we are, then will all the money coming from Madison fix the money problem in the district and we can avoid a referendum? If we aren’t having one, what will the extra money from Madison be used for? Thanks for clearing this up for me!”

Answer as given by Dr. Sample:
“This is an excellent question and I appreciate the opportunity to respond. At this point, everything coming out of Madison is pure speculation until the budget is approved. The Governor’s proposed budget, as well as the Assembly’s proposed revision to the Governor’s budget, have the potential to be positive for Merrill Area Public Schools. However, neither budget proposal provides MAPS with sufficient funding to maintain operations. Furthermore, considering our declining enrollment, even the best budget scenario finds us exploring the option of a referendum in April or facing additional cuts.

During our Community Conversation event in September of 2016, the community group of almost 100 members identified priorities for MAPS. The highest priority, as generated by this community conversation, is for MAPS to retain and attract quality staff members by remaining competitive with districts in our area. Moreover, the number one priority dealt with the high turnover of employees our district has experienced.

This community groups also wanted our students to have access to problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and hands-on learning through a production lab at the high school. Furthermore, this large group prioritized school-based services as a need to address the social/behavioral/mental needs of our students. Other items included the optimization of student technology and building maintenance/repair.

Regarding the referendum, our citizens will receive a survey in the upcoming months. This survey allows every member of the community to tell us what is important in their school district. You will have the option to let us know what you value in your district, knowing that each of the above priorities come with a dollar amount. We value your input and recognize the importance of our partnership with the community.”

Thanks!

Have a question or concern you would like to address? Simply send your question or concern to [email protected] along with an indication of which entity your question or concern pertains to. Current participants are the Merrill Police Department, Merrill Fire Department, Tomahawk Police Department, Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz, Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson and Merrill Area Housing Authority Director Paul Russell and MAPS Superintendent Dr. John Sample. Please note: Those who submit to the ‘Ask an Official’ feature remain anonymous.

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