STILLMAN VALLEY (WIFR) -- A lot of parents with kids in the Meridian School District in Stillman Valley are showing support for a referendum to raise their property taxes by 1%.

There was a big crowd Tuesday night at Highland Elementary School where the district provided more specifics about the plan.

They hope to help solve their $2 million deficit by raising the property tax to 3.85%. This could help prevent lay-offs and cuts to the arts programs, something parents would like to avoid.

"We keep the quality education and programs in this district. I want my kids to be able to have an arts and music education, to be able to participate in extracurricular activities and sports. I hope that the voters will agree those programs are important, " said parent Cindy Raimer.

The referendum will appear on the April ballot. Another public forum is scheduled for February 7th.