Please join me, a new Pasco resident and a Pasco parent, in voting yes on the Pasco Schools Maintenance and Operations Levy this month. The levy is increasingly important for Pasco students, schools and the community. The growing uncertainty around the state legislature's and governor's budget, coupled with increasing operations costs, (Pasco is among the fastest-growing cities and school districts in the state) make the levy all the more important.

The levy is NOT a new tax but a replacement of a previously voter approved levy in 2010 that requires voter support to continue. It not only helps support after-school activities such as sports, music, drama and debate but also supports school libraries, books, security and dropout prevention programs.

The levy is not only a win/win/win for students, parents and the community (stronger schools lead to a better educated workforce and informed citizenry) but critical in supporting a significant percentage of Pasco School District's annual budget. More info on the levy can be found at tinyurl.com/Pasco-Levy

Phil Koestner, Pasco