I'm sure many readers have made the tough decision to replace aging equipment when maintenance costs become unreasonable. It's time for Richland voters to do the same.

The Richland School District has done a great job of maintaining buildings and systems past their expected life. The replacement of the heating and ventilation (HVAC) system at Chief Joseph Middle School is one of several items on the upcoming school bond that highlights the importance of voting yes. District staff have been doing their best to keep staff and students at reasonable temperatures with an HVAC system that no longer has parts available. Most of us would not consider working under unpleasantly hot or cold conditions, but that is exactly what teachers and students at Chief Joseph are subjected to.

I am a parent of two children in Richland, and although they don't attend Chief Joseph, all students in the district deserve to have a place to learn and achieve where they don't have to wear gloves on cold days and where teachers don't have to supply water bottles on hot days. Our community as a whole will benefit from a successful school bond and a commitment to support quality schools.

MARY BURKE, Richland