Marissa Waddell, a member of Citizens for College Place Public Schools, presented the school district's Educational Programs & Operations renewal levy to the City Council on Jan. 13, saying the measure is a replacement levy that would appear on the Feb. 10 ballot and would keep the current rate of $2.50 per $1,000.

Waddell framed the levy as funding "learning" rather than buildings and said levy revenues remain local. She cited district-level improvements tied to levy-funded positions: "we're back to pre pandemic levels of academic achievement" in English language arts, math and science, lower truancy (middle school projected at 4.2% down from 22%, high school 12.6% down from 32%), and a decline in discipline incidents of more than 70% since the 2023–24 school year. She said the district is funded about 80% by state and federal sources and roughly 20% from local levies.

Waddell described specific levy-funded services, including additional teachers, registered nurses (the district is funded by the state for about 1.88 nurses but currently employs two full-time RNs plus CNAs), licensed mental health therapists on site, school counselors, and extracurriculars such as athletics and band. On the ballot timing, she said the February vote would not take effect until January 2027 because the current levy remains in force through the end of the term.

Council members asked clarifying questions about rate and collections; Waddell confirmed the rate is unchanged and pointed to slide detail on total collection caps. Multiple council members thanked the presenters and noted the district's track record of passing levies. Mayor Norma L. Hernandez encouraged any materials for the city newsletter to be sent to the city clerk so the city can help inform voters.

Next steps: the levy will appear on the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot as a replacement EP&O levy at $2.50 per $1,000; proponents and the district will continue outreach and provide materials to the city as requested.