Next week, voters will have an important decision to make regarding the future of Brandywine Community Schools, one that will have a direct impact on the students and staff in the district.

On the Nov. 6 general election ballot is a proposal asking for the renewal of the district’s non-homestead millage. If passed, it would generate about $1.3 million annually for the district, or about 11 percent of the district’s budget, for the next five years.

Anyone who cares about the quality of education in the Brandywine district should vote yes for the proposal.

School districts across the state are already digging deep in their pocketbooks due to recent cuts in state aid.

If the millage isn’t renewed, Supt. John Jarpe said the district would have to make big budget cuts. That means likely reductions in staff and less money for purchasing materials to help students learn.

The district can’t afford to see the proposal fail.

It’s important to note the proposal would not increase taxes. It is a renewal of a millage that has been in place for several years. The tax rate would remain the same, set at 18 mills.

It’s also important to realize the tax does not affect a person’s home. The tax is on non-homestead property, meaning businesses, rental property or second homes.

The last time the renewal was up for a vote it passed by a slim margin.

That is why it is important for everyone living in the Brandywine district to vote yes on the proposal. Make sure to tell your friends and family to vote yes, too.

Brandywine students are counting on us. Let’s not let them down.