The Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) has launched a campaign to support the Centralia School District, which seeks to pass a replacement levy in April 2023.
As part of the campaign, the CDA has created decals that are available to any local business to place in their windows indicating the business’ support of Centralia schools and the students of the district.
The CDA will also highlight the Centralia School District at its April 12 Block Party at Dawn’s Delectables, which begins at 6:30 p.m.
“Our business community is a huge piece of what makes Centralia great, but we also recognize that Centralia students and support for our schools is vital to making this a great place to live and work,” said MacKenzie McGee, CDA executive director, in a prepared statement. “We welcome any local business to reach out and we’ll deliver a decal for you to place in your business window in support of these kids and the good work our schools are doing.”
The idea was spearheaded by Centralia city councilor Mark Westley, who recently became the city liaison to the CDA, according to a CDA news release.
After the levy failure by just over 100 votes in February, and as a long time teacher himself, Westley was eager to do anything possible to support the upcoming levy, according to the news release.
“The opportunities I’ve had to impact and change students’ lives, directly related to the existence of levy funds, is immeasurable,” said Westley. “Those students are thriving today as adults. They are positively productive citizens, parents, leaders and influencers. We need to continue those opportunities for our deserving students today to ensure a better tomorrow for them and for us.”
The CDA will deliver the window decals to any business who wants one and urges Centralia residents to support the future of the city by supporting its children’s education, according to the news release.
“We can’t fail our kids by failing this next levy,” McGee said. “Our kids are the future of Centralia, and I believe that future deserves the best possible chance to succeed.”
The April 12 block party is free to attend and is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by Dawn’s Delectables, the host for the evening.
The evening’s entertainment will include a round of games with city and school district officials, the completion of which will earn the participant the chance at a downtown gift basket, which will be announced that evening.
Any donations raised will go toward building a stronger downtown community to serve the kids of Centralia School District, according to the news release.
