Olympia, WA, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Ahead of the upcoming General Election, candidates for the Olympia School Board are prioritizing budget challenges and school safety. Candidates propose innovative solutions to budget shortfalls, such as creating small schools and seeking additional funding. Concerns over school safety are also being addressed, with calls for enhanced mental health resources and the reinstatement of School Resource Officers. All agree on the importance of community engagement and transparency in discussions around these critical issues affecting local education.
Olympia, WA – Candidates running for the Olympia School Board are prioritizing budget challenges and school safety as they prepare for the upcoming General Election on November 4. With ballots being mailed out in about a week and 31 drop boxes available throughout Thurston County for easy ballot submission, the candidates are keen to clarify their positions on these critical issues affecting the community.
Renee Fullerton, one of the candidates, has pointed out that the Olympia School District has passed a budget that includes reductions, and future expenses are projected to exceed revenues. She suggests that the district should consider restructuring by creating innovative small schools rather than closing under-enrolled, traditionally organized schools, which she sees as unsustainable.
Rhyan Smith, another candidate, is in favor of exploring alternatives to school closures. He advocates for seeking additional state and federal funding sources, enhancing energy efficiency in schools, and cutting administrative costs before sacrificing vital educational programs. Both candidates emphasize the importance of transparency and community engagement in budgetary discussions.
When it comes to school safety, Fullerton underscores the necessity of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of safety within educational environments. She points to community concerns expressed by parents and students, advocating for preventative violence programs and increased mental health resources. Smith, on the other hand, believes in reinstating School Resource Officers (SROs) at high schools to bolster safety and foster relationships with students, while also emphasizing the need for emotional security among students.
Fullerton recognizes the critical role of community resources, such as Inspire Olympia and various partnerships, in maintaining robust educational programs even amid budget constraints. Smith proposes that businesses and other community collaborations could help sustain diverse program offerings despite limited funding.
Other candidates, such as Gilbert Lamont and Emily Leddige, also share insights on the budget debate. Lamont called for strategic prioritization and active community engagement while Leddige urged for transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in the budgeting process. All candidates agree that discussions on potential school closures must involve thorough community involvement and the examination of various alternatives.
The pandemic’s adverse effects on student mental health and educational progress are acknowledged by all candidates, with a strong call for innovative solutions tailored to address students’ unique needs. They collectively stress the importance of supporting diverse learning opportunities and maintaining robust programming despite fiscal challenges.
Commitments to working closely with families and educators are a common theme, focusing equally on emotional and mental wellbeing alongside academic achievement. The consensus among the candidates is clear: budget discussions must be transparent, inclusive, and aim to improve student outcomes to help rebuild trust within the community.
Candidate Positions on Key Issues
| Candidate | Budget Approach | School Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Renee Fullerton | Create innovative small schools; avoid closures | Preventative violence programs, increased mental health resources |
| Rhyan Smith | Seek additional grants; improve efficiency; reduce admin costs | Reintroduce SROs; emphasize emotional security |
| Gilbert Lamont | Strategic prioritization and community involvement | N/A |
| Emily Leddige | Transparent, collaborative budgeting | N/A |
FAQ
What are the main issues being addressed by the Olympia School Board candidates?
The candidates are primarily focusing on budget challenges and school safety ahead of the upcoming election.
When is the General Election for the Olympia School Board?
The General Election will be held on November 4, with ballots expected to be mailed out shortly before.
How do candidates plan to address budget shortfalls?
Candidates propose various approaches, including seeking additional funding, reducing administrative costs, and restructuring schools to maximize resources.
What strategies do candidates suggest for improving school safety?
Candidates advocate for mental health resources, preventative violence programs, and the reintroduction of School Resource Officers in high schools to enhance safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Olympian: Election News
- The Olympian: November Election Update
- The Jolt News: Olympia School Board Candidates Forum
- KING 5: Washington Residents Discuss Election
- The Olympian: Election Coverage
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Olympia School Board election 2023
- Google Scholar: Budget challenges in schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: Olympia school board candidates
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