On Feb. 14, Richland School District residents will vote on renewal of the district's operations levy. This important levy, which expires at the end of 2012, is put before voters every two years. State legislatures everywhere are shifting education funding to local taxpayers. Our state legislature has reduced RSD funding by $9.2 million over the last two years. RSD leaders have diligently sought to increase efficiency and keep money in the classrooms, but a $9.2 million reduction raises great challenges that can be met only by levy renewal. Without renewal, many programs and services will be eliminated or significantly reduced: art, music, physical education, athletics, and bus transportation are only partial listings.

Renewal of this levy requires a simple majority. The mailing that RSD residents recently received explains that renewal will increase property taxes by only $5 for every $100,000 of assessed property value. This is something we can all afford.

Time and again we have watched students gain confidence through their participation in music, art and athletics. These programs provide value that enriches our communities as students develop leadership skills. We ask all RSD residents to vote yes with us for renewal.

Ruth Ann Hickey, president, Hanford Music Association