Thanks to a failed referendum to help improve school finances, leaders in the Maroa-Forsyth district are bracing for difficult times ahead.

Fifty-nine percent of Maroa-Forsyth voters opposed a referendum on their ballots to increase the tax rate which would have given the district the money it needed to deal with drastically decreasing funds from the state. Superintendnet Mike Williams notes the new school board will have to make financial adjustments for the next school year, which may include borrowing money and decreasing expenses.

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The referendum sought a forty cent increase for the education fund and according to Williams, there are several unknowns regarding Maroa-Forsyth's finances that may require them to attempt another referendum in the future.

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An independent financial committee recommended the tax increase, which was actually more than Williams' suggested incrase. The group was made up of concerned community members.

The Superintendent hopes to work with the new school board to minimize as many program and staffing cuts as possible if funds continue to dwindle in the district.