Forty years ago, my family moved to a large home in the "country" on 10th avenue and Kellogg Street in Kennewick. We were surrounded by alfalfa, so I just knew I would finally get what every child wanted back then; a pony or a pool. I didn't get either of them. I remember my dad saying, "Just because one has the money doesn't mean one can afford it."

Although that meant little to a 9-year-old who had to mow that acre every Saturday, it means a lot to me now as an adult. My dad's wise words meant we must carefully consider where we spend our money. As a former student and teacher, and now a principal in Kennewick, I experience first-hand the value of where the community spends its money on education. Please vote yes on the Kennewick School District 2012 levy election. We can't afford not to.

Lori Butler, Burbank