Letter: Vote ‘yes’ for local school levies

I would like to encourage all local residents to vote yes for their school levies. Public education is not adequately funded in Washington state. The current system provides for communities to invest in their children and schools by supporting education with additional local dollars.

In the past year, Pasco has seen significant turmoil in our school district. However, as a community, we have united together to improve education in Pasco. Teachers are receiving increased support. Curriculum is being thoroughly updated and improved. School board meetings are more open and transparent, with increased dialogue and communication with the community. The meetings are also being videotaped and posted online for anyone to view. The school board is getting out and meeting with parents, teachers, and concerned citizens through a series of “Community Conversations.”

Never before have there been as many opportunities to make our voices heard. While mistakes have certainly been made in the past, we can work together now and move forward to make Pasco great. We can each be a positive influence in the process.

I hope we will make the choice to provide our children the type of education they deserve. Please vote yes for the replacement levy.

This story was originally published January 31, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Letter: Vote ‘yes’ for local school levies."