As voters become more educated on the many benefits of having a few charter schools blended into the community mix that most people in other states get to enjoy, they will eventually come around. In Pasco, the schools are bursting at the seams, but the state and the district do not have enough construction money to keep up with the growth. Innercity families that are interested in academic excellence without gang influences might pool their resources and open a charter elementary school to improve their children's test scores.

In West Richland, families might band together to open a local high school with an auditorium that students can walk to. Teachers might be freed up to teach real economic history cases so that students can learn the principles of cause and effect that would benefit their judgments for the rest of their lives. Competition and cooperation can be wonderful things in education once you get the politics out of the way. Let the freedom of choice blossom here. Vote to allow charter schools the next time it comes up.

-- Steve LePage, West Richland