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Every couple of years, the public is tasked with the decision of supporting our local youth with their wallets. Proclaiming support is easy. Paying for it is another story. That adds to the challenge.
We need to remind ourselves that this is our community's future.
The upcoming Centralia School District levy is more than just an educational investment; it is a strategic commitment to the economic future of our community and lays the groundwork needed for a skilled local workforce.
Communities are required to fund essential programs not covered by state basic education. We can argue that the state should do more, or wax poetic about when we were kids, but this is the reality we live in, and nostalgia is not a strategy for success.
This levy ensures our students receive the well-rounded education necessary for personal success to help create a thriving local economy.
A key factor to remember is that this is a replacement levy, not a new tax. It is scheduled to replace the existing levy that expires in December 2026. What this means is that the vital services and programs this levy supports can continue without adding additional financial hardship to the local taxpayers.
Data indicate that healthy schools are key to a robust business community. This provides jobs and future opportunities to our children to live and work right here. This levy is an investment in that future and a valuable use of taxpayer dollars that will pay dividends by creating a stronger local economy.
Find any community that is successful, dynamic and full of opportunities, and you will find a school district with strong community support that intentionally invests in student success.
Levies differ from bonds as they support programs. This replacement levy will support both academics and behavior. This is key to student success.
Below are key programs supported by the levy:
• Academic support: Funding for instructional facilitators, academic intervention programs (K-12 math and reading) and updated curriculum and learning materials
• Centralia Technology and Energy Academy initiative, preparing students for innovative, family-wage jobs in the local green energy sector
• Social-emotional and behavioral health: The levy sustains positions for counselors, mental health support specialists and student behavioral support staff
• Safety: Funding for safety and security personnel, nurses, etc.
• Student engagement: K-12 athletics and arts programs
One key takeaway is that when students stay connected and engaged, they are more likely to succeed academically and become productive adults, which is a direct benefit to the entire community. This is the investment. Invest in success.
The district recognizes that by asking you to invest in the success of our students, the same expectations are applied to the district.
A commitment to continuous improvement is the charge of the district. They are committed to improved academic results and moving forward with focused, data-driven planning.
Passage of this levy is critical to the long-term goals of the district and to prevent significant program and staff cuts that would occur otherwise. When levies and bonds fail, it sends a negative signal to prospective businesses about the community's investment in its future workforce and hinders progress.
We strongly support a “yes" vote on the Centralia School District replacement levy as we prepare students for tomorrow's jobs, support a healthier business community and invest in our shared future.
For more information on the Centralia School District Replacement Levy go to www.centraliaschooldistrict.org or call the district office at 360-330-7600.
