As president of the Pasco School Board, I am always aware that we deal with our voters' most valuable assets: their children and their money. I believe we are doing an excellent job with both and here's why: Our schools show steady improvement in test scores and graduation rates. In 2012 three Pasco elementary schools were named "Schools of Distinction" by the Center for Educational Effectiveness, more than any district in the Mid-Columbia. And our teachers, principals and superintendent are consistently recognized among the best in the state.

I am also proud of our management of the resources voters have entrusted to us. This is not just my opinion, but the state auditor's office as well. Since 2005, we have absorbed nearly 3,000 K-8 students into our existing schools. We have done this by controlling costs and maximizing our use of space. But we cannot continue this strategy.

We are out of room. We must either build new schools, or plunge into the unknown territory of multi-track year-round schooling or double shifting.

This is the path of desperation not quality education. It is not the best choice for our students and parents. Keep Pasco Pride alive. Vote yes.

SHERRY LANCON, Pasco