Six years ago, the Centralia School District experienced a difficult period when a double levy failure resulted in devastating budget, personnel and program cuts.
At that time, many in the community were questioning whether the district was on the right path and whether their tax dollars were being used wisely.
Thankfully, today the situation is very different.
In response to those challenges, the district hired a new superintendent, Dr. Lisa Grant, who began assembling the right leadership team and making thoughtful — sometimes difficult — decisions focused on long-term improvement. She brought stability, careful decision-making and a renewed sense of purpose and continues to proudly serve our community today.
As a result, we are seeing meaningful progress across the district: improved student learning, increased daily attendance rates, renewed vitality in athletics and activities, and better support for positive student behavior, reflected in a marked reduction in discipline referrals.
These improvements reflect thoughtful leadership, committed staff and students and parents who are responding positively. The district has also strengthened fiscal oversight and transparency, ensuring community members can clearly see how levy dollars are managed and spent.
This progress is real and worth celebrating, yet the work is not finished. That is why the upcoming levy is so important. This progress matters to all of us, including those who no longer have children in our schools. A strong school district helps preserve property values, attracts families and businesses, and sustains the vitality of a community many of us helped build over decades.
It is also important to remember that this is a replacement levy, not a new or additional tax. In setting the levy rate, the school board worked diligently to balance the financial realities of our property owners while ensuring the district has the resources needed to continue moving forward responsibly.
Notably, the board chose not to levy at the maximum rate allowed, demonstrating a conscious effort to limit the tax burden while still meeting critical needs. This approach reflects respect for taxpayers and an understanding of the shared responsibility we all carry for our community’s future.
I readily acknowledge that paying less in taxes is always appealing; however, in this case, sustaining the progress our schools are making is the wiser and more responsible choice.
Failure to pass the Feb. 10 levy would result in significant financial cuts that could slow — or even reverse — the momentum our schools have built. That would be a loss not only for students and educators, but for our entire community.
Centralia is a community with deep roots and a strong sense of pride. To sustain that strength, we need strong schools supported by engaged citizens. That is how we honor our tradition and invest in our shared future — ensuring long-term, sustainable growth that benefits us all.
I strongly encourage voters to vote yes on the Feb. 10 replacement levy — for our schools, our community, and the long-term wellbeing of us all.
Don Rash
Centralia
