I have already mailed my "yes" vote for the upcoming Kennewick school levy to show my support for the work that the district does in our community. I ask you to join me in enhancing the potential of the children of the Kennewick School District.

I do not want our public school system to be without essential financial resources. I realize it is unlikely that the Washington Legislature will fund K-12 education at a higher level in the near future. A community-supported local levy is the best way to provide Kennewick schools essential resources during these challenging financial times.

School district leaders, I believe, have been sensitive to the economic environment in which they are operating. And with this measure, they are not asking for a new tax, but are only seeking to replace the 2011-12 levy at an amount that still will be affordable to the typical homeowner. Our district's percent of administrative costs and administrative expenditures per pupil are the third lowest of the state's 30 largest school districts.

I believe this is a reasonable investment to make in a quality school system that educates children, enhances the local economy and ultimately boosts the property values for everyone living within the district. Please vote "yes."

John Van Beek, Kennewick