The best investment we can make for our future is educating our children. On Feb. 14, Pasco citizens will be asked to approve the school maintenance and operations levy. By voting yes, we will be ensuring that Pasco's children continue to benefit from the programs that we as a community have determined are important.

It also guarantees that we receive levy equalization funds from the state. This is not a new tax but a replacement of the levy that was approved in 2010 and expires this year. The estimated levy rate is $4.51 per $1,000, a decrease of 4 cents per $1,000 from what voters approved in 2010.

What is a levy? Levies are for learning. Levy dollars make up the difference between the cost of educating our students and the funding received from the state and federal governments. The district's art, music and drama programs, as well as athletics and student clubs are supported by levy money. Student transportation, utilities and insurance, maintenance and custodial supplies, school security, librarians, library clerks, library books, substitute teachers and elementary assistant principals, nurses and counselors are many other ways levy dollars are spent.

Please show your love for Pasco's schools and children by voting yes on Valentine's Day.

Randy and LeAnn Nunamaker, Pasco