Dear Editor:
The upcoming referendum for the D.C. Everest School District is a critical opportunity for the community to support our future. From my perspective as a resident, father, and local business owner, there are few occasions that have as meaningful of an impact on our community as a responsible investment in our schools.
Residents of many of the municipalities that comprise the D.C. Everest School district have historically been willing to invest in the facilities and capabilities of our district. We built new schools when needed to meet the growth in our student population. Additionally, the district has stretched the limits of creativity in utilizing current facilities to their maximum potential. But, there are now facilities that require responsible investment to reduce maintenance and ensure long-term sustainability. Decades old heating, cooling and lighting can be replaced and modernized to save significantly growing maintenance cost. Smaller additions can create space to optimize the facilities we have, rather than starting from scratch. Responsible investment now creates the best economic sense for the long-term.
Looking at the decision as a father, I want to provide our children the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential, and do it in a safe environment. Students in our district should have the opportunity to learn in classrooms that facilitate learning in the 21st century. Primary elementary school classrooms should all have natural light, and that is not the case today. The design of learning spaces should consider the progress in teaching methods that have occurred in the decades since the facilities were built. But, most importantly, our schools need to be safe.
Entrances at some facilities need to be secured and away from heavy traffic. Other facilities require updated access for those with disabilities to meet current standards. Our children are our future, and we should provide the tools to help them grow to their full potential.
As our students grow to their full potential, they become the next generation workforce for our community. To be successful in the ever-evolving economy, students must be prepared to understand more technology and skills than ever before. The D.C. Everest School District is home to numerous successful businesses, from manufacturers to technology firms, and many desperately need employees. But, many of the technology education areas of our district have fallen behind. Manufacturers need to see skills in welding, design, and construction. Others need skills in programing, robotics, and diagnostics. These are all skills that can be learned in our district and lead directly to jobs, if the facilities were up-to-date. The workforce shortage is a major issue central Wisconsin, and the district can have a direct impact on skills to set our students up for success.
As a resident, father, and business owner, I vote yes to the upcoming referendum. It is a way to continue to foster education, be financially responsible for the long-term and create opportunity for our students and economy.
Jeremy Lewitzke
President, L&S Electric
Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot and Review gladly publishes letters of any length from readers and from candidates for local offices. The views of our readers are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot and Review. To submit a letter, email [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 532, Wausau, Wis., 54402-0532.
