The Centralia Community Foundation is writing to express its full support for the Centralia School District Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy, which will appear on the Feb. 10, 2026, special election ballot.
We believe that providing a robust education is not just a school district responsibility but a community-wide investment that secures our future workforce and local economic health.
While the state of Washington funds "basic education," significant gaps remain in the resources required to provide a competitive and well-rounded learning environment. This levy accounts for approximately 11% of the district's overall budget. Without these local funds, the district would face severe cuts to programs that keep students engaged and safe.
The levy directly funds essential services and programs not covered by the state, including:
• Student wellbeing: Funding for school counselors, nurses, and safety staff.
• Enrichment and athletics: Extracurricular activities, music and sports programs that keep students connected to their schools.
• Academic support: Special education services, individualized learning support and additional course offerings.
Staffing: Additional staff positions and professional development beyond the state’s standard funding model.
This is a three-year replacement levy, not a new tax. It is designed to replace the existing levy that expires in 2026. We recognize that many families are currently feeling "tax fatigue" due to rising costs. However, a failure to pass this levy carries a heavy price for our children. Past levy failures resulted in $4.2 million in budget cuts, forcing the district to reduce the very opportunities that help our students succeed.
A "yes" vote on Feb. 10 is a commitment to:
• Economic stability: Healthy schools create a healthier business community and a stronger local economy.
• Competitive opportunity: Resources from local levies allow our students to remain competitive with neighboring districts.
• A message of value: Supporting our schools tells our children that their education is a priority and that this community believes in their potential.
We urge every resident to consider the long-term impact of this measure. Let us give Centralia’s children the robust education they deserve to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Centralia Community Foundation
Amy Buzzard (executive director), Vicki Pogorelc, Judy Fagerness, Robert Cox, Bob Guenther, Mike Alexander, Larry McGee, Kelly Smith Johnston and Kyle Markstrom
