MADISON – School administrators, teachers, parents and most property owners are breathing a sigh of relief after the polls closed on Dec. 12.

The Dec. 12 special election included a referendum to continue or end the City of Madison’s 4-mill property tax for Madison City Schools, along with two countywide taxes for schools.

The local district tax renewal passed by a 76 percent margin in Madison with similar results for the two countywide renewals.

“I want to thank the community for supporting the tax renewals in (the Dec. 12) election,” Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker said. “Continuing these taxes gives us the base support we need to continue to give our children the quality education for which Madison is known.”

Parker and the MCS staff did not take this vote of confidence for granted, he said. “I promise that we will continue to love your kids and work diligently to give them the best opportunities possible.”

In addition, Parker used this venue to discuss another matter that the Madison district faces — the future of the MCS system with demands of population growth. “Rapid enrollment gains continue to pose challenges for education in Madison. I will be addressing these challenges and asking for your input in the next few months as we formulate our 10-year strategic plan,” Parker said.

Parker promised to keep the school community and Madison residents informed and apprised of plans by the Sixth-Grade Transition Committee for moving students in all sixth-grade classes into Liberty and Discovery middle schools in the 2018-2019 school year.

“Finally, I join with the entire Madison City Schools family in wishing you and your family a peaceful and relaxing winter holiday break,” Parker said.

Classes dismiss for the winter break in Madison on Dec. 20 after a half-day of classes for students. Students will return to the classroom on Jan. 4, 2018.