Although my daughter isn't quite school-aged, I understand how important the upcoming Richland School Bond is to the success of our students -- the future of our community. There is not only a need for new schools to be built, but several schools need to be replaced (they are more than 40 years old) and others need improvements or updates to keep students safe. Passing the school bond now will allow the Richland School District to take advantage of $32 million in state matching funds -- something that won't necessarily be around forever.

As a parent, I want to make sure my child will have a safe and functioning school to attend. As a citizen of Richland, I want to make sure that all of community's children have that.

I'll be voting yes because Richland needs it; the schools need it; and most importantly, the students need it.

If you truly want what is best for our students and the future of our community, I hope that you will also vote yes.

GRETCHEN BECK, Richland