Letter to the Editor: Our Students, Our Community, Our Future

Posted

The Centralia School District Educational Programs and Operations Levy election is April 27. Ballots were scheduled to be mailed Wednesday, April 7. Please submit your ballot by April 27.

The levy proposal is a two-year levy of approximately $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value. If passed, it will generate approximately $3.1 million in the 2021-2022 school year ($2.4 million levy plus $700,000 state LEA) and approximately $5.6 million ($4.6 million levy plus $1 million state LEA) in the 2022-2023 school year. The owner of a $300,000 home will pay approximately $450 per year.

Levy funds support the success of both students and the Centralia community. Washington state funds “basic education” needs, but this funding does not cover important programs and services we need to provide a well-rounded education. If approved, the levy funds will be focused on programs and services that directly benefit students, including athletics, support staff to provide intervention and individualized help to students, additional counseling services, choir, band and music programming, technology supports, and special education and highly capable services. The levy funds directly support student success.

In addition to student benefits, levy funds help build a strong school district that supports a thriving community. Strong school systems are an integral part of a thriving community. Education is an important asset and contributes to a community’s economy, attracts businesses, creates new jobs and builds a strong workforce. The levy supports Centralia’s success.

The district wants every community member to have the information he or she needs. Additional levy information is available at www.centraliaschools.org/levies. Virtual “coffee chats” and a levy forum are scheduled to provide live opportunities to ask questions and gather information. The schedule of these events is posted on the levy webpage a well as on the district’s Facebook page.



The Centralia School District is committed to continual improvements in order to create success for students and for the Centralia community. We know we have challenges and needed improvements as a district, and we are committed to addressing them. Strong schools build strong communities. Working together, we can and will create success for our students, our community and our future. Please remember to vote April 27.

 

Lisa Grant

Superintendent, Centralia School District