Why funding MU Schools is GOOD for your pocket book

ANSWER:

Quick Answers: There are LOTS of answers to why supporting the School is valuable, but two very important one's for those without kids within the District to consider.

1. Home Values are higher in District's with strong schools - The National Bureau of Economic Research found that every $1.00 increase in per pupil state aid increases aggregate per pupil housing values by about $20.00. Additional studies have found that this also holds true for local funding of Districts. So for every dollar spent on the Milton-Union School District the average home value in the District goes up $20. If the District is strong you will get a MUCH better price for your home when selling it, than if the District isn't as strong.

2. Investment in public schools reduces contact with the criminal justice system. A study out of the University of Michigan in 2022 found that "students who attended better-funded schools were 15% less likely to be arrested through age 30". Even if you don't have kids within the District, assuring that our community is safe and enjoyable for all ages is extremely important to most people.

Long Answer:  Studies show that additional school funding helps the entire community. It clearly helps the KIDS who go to the school as they have better teachers, more opportunities and resources, and are more successful after they graduate. It helps the PARENTS of those kids who own homes in the community with increased home sale prices, faster home sale times, and much higher home interest. And it helps the COMMUNITY with more teachers living, working, and spending money in the area.

It Helps Kids

There are LOTS of studies that list all of the research that supports better outcomes for students when there is an increase in school funding. A 2017 Northwestern study showed increased school spending raises graduation rates, boosts students incomes as adults, and lowered the likelihood that the student would be in poverty as an adult. That study showed that for every $1 of investment in schools, it had a return of $2 in additional future earnings by the student.

In a 2019 Albert Shanker Institute report it was found that "per-pupil spending is positively associated with improved student outcomes". This is reflected in smaller class sizes, more resources for children who need support, and more competitive teacher compensation - which permits schools to recruit and retain a higher quality teacher workforce. This report also noted, "Arguments that across-the-board budget cuts will not hurt outcomes are completely unfounded".

There are one thousand studies and one million reasons that additional funding helps the children in the District. When you look at a Bulldog student, hopefully you only need one.

It Helps Parents

Beyond educating our children, a fully funded District allows our children to be bused to and from school, enjoy extra curricular activities like band and choir, and play sports. This funding helps allow families with two working parents to have more options available to them to accommodate their working schedule.

The National Bureau of Economic Research found that every $1.00 increase in per pupil state aid increases aggregate per pupil housing values by about $20.00. This helps grow the investment that parents make in their home. Better funded school districts have higher valued homes and faster home sale times. A strong School District makes the largest investment that most people make in their life more secure. When School Districts begin to decline, there is also data that shows that home prices fall, and sale times increase. Protecting the largest investment you will ever make, begins will supporting the School District.

It Helps the Community

The Milton-Union Exempted Village School District is the largest "business" employer in West Milton. The District has 100+ employees who work and pay taxes in our community. Many of those people also live within our community. The success of the District is directly aligned with the success of the community.

The District also serves as the largest "philanthropist" in the community by providing free space to sports groups like MURA and non-profits and service groups and donating staff and student time to help support the community. The District provides space, resources, and opportunities for the community to thrive.

Studies have shown that "students who attended better-funded schools were 15% less likely to be arrested through age 30". This means that our community is safer, when our District is funded. By providing opportunities for our children to succeed at Milton-Union, we are assuring that they grow into adults that we want to live in our community.