Levy funds are an imperative part of a school district's budget. Let's face it, the state of Washington does not even come close to funding basic education, so districts must ask for levy funds to keep their programs moving. Local levy money generally funds 18 percent to 20 percent of a district's budget and is needed in order to keep many programs running, such as art and music, athletics, security personnel, updated textbooks, library materials and many others.

These are not new taxes. The students in our communities deserve your yes vote. Please join me in voting yes for your local school levy.

PAUL CHARTRAND, Pasco