I appreciate the article and detail provided. I hope readers will read the article carefully - that average tax bills have decreased or remained flat for MMSD in the last five years. The rate of increase in per-pupil spending has been less than the state average since the revenue caps were put in place.

Most of the historical increases in spending have been due to the disproportionate increases in health insurance costs, and the fact that most of the budget is for staffing. The state formula has not helped Madison, either, a property rich district with a flat enrollment. As most who follow the district know, the needs level for students has not remained flat, but has increased significantly. Addressing those needs effectively is really critical in terms of the health of our community in the short and long terms.

Nevertheless, it's challenging for people, and the increase in costs, including those for schools comes in difficult times. We really need to plan as a state, for funding equity, for growth and development, and saving for more difficult times. Most of the recent increases in fees, taxes, and other expenses come from poor planning and pushing off expenses to later years. The board and district administration have struggled on this issue for as long as I can remember, and I appreciate their hard work to balance the needs of the district with the process of finding adequate funding to meet those needs.