In a better world, the state Legislature would completely fund basic education for K-12 students.

But it does not.

So Highline voters should go to the polls on March 13 or mail in their absentee ballots by that date to approve the Highline Public Schools' $140 million educational programs and operations levy.

The levy needs a 60 percent supermajority to pass, so it is important that voters participate in this one-issue election.

If the levy fails, the district would have to make do without about 20 percent of its budget. Imagine having to slash your household budget by one-fifth.

Revenue raised would pay for basics, including salaries and benefits for 95 teachers and 170 support staff above the minimum paid by the state.

This is not a new tax. It replaces a four-year levy that is expiring.

The levy is not another bond measure for new school buildings. Bonds are for building but levies are for learning.

Highline faces educational challenges that many districts do not.

In 2004, the state PTA identified 17 districts in the state with high rates of students with extraordinary needs, and yet very low levels of funding. Highline was one of them.

Despite the challenges, we must graduate our children ready for further education and technologically complex careers.

Highline communities are on the upswing. Burien is building a Town Square. SeaTac is developing around two light-rail stations.

Des Moines is sprucing up its beautiful waterfront downtown and dealing with crime-ridden Pacific Highway South.

While new buildings do not guarantee high achievement, many Highline schools are now welcoming, safe places to learn.

With the upgrades and as one of the few communities with affordable housing left in King County, young couples are looking to Highline as a place to raise their families. But as the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors noted in endorsing the levy, for many homebuyers the quality of schools is a top priority.

As a family-owned community business for over 60 years, the Highline Times/Des Moines News has always supported quality schools. We continue to do so.

We urge you to vote for the Highline school levy.