Today is the Day
Will the OSD Board finally announce school closures are off the table for next year? Superintendent Patrick Murphy will review two initial four-year budget plans with the Board at today’s regular meeting.
"I became engaged with advocating against school closures in Olympia School District in early March 2023.
Reflecting on the past year, it is clear there is a constant struggle of the interplay between funding, politics, community needs, corporate interests and personal interests that makes achieving a common ground solution for public education a major challenge.
Advice that I received when I began a more active role in health care advocacy in 2022 was, "Government only works the way our founders intended, as a democracy, if the citizens who are governed actively engage." Since receiving that advice, I have seen how policy and our leaders affect every aspect of our society.
From that, the significance of coming together to communicate and advocate, to achieve the community in which we want to live and raise our children cannot be emphasized enough.
Delivery of public education is intended to be nonpartisan.It is a social service that belongs to all groups of people regardless of race, color, caste or sex, clearly stated as such in The Washington State Constitution. There is no room for divisive tactics.
We will only succeed when we come together to understand what the needs of our brilliant diverse community are. The ways we live vary, from the rural fringe to the urban centers of our district. We differ in many ways, but the cross-community voices have made it clear we allwant an enriching, safe and healthy educational experience for our kids.
The journey of my involvement over the past year has taught me that it's important to make time, ask questions when the information does not seem to jive, remain hopeful for the future, and above all, remain active.
Remember you are fighting for a system that educates and supports all of the children to optimize their academic potential so they have the tools to succeed after high school."
- Penny R., OSD community member since 2008
BOARD MEETING
REMINDER: The next OSDBoard Meeting is TODAY, 4/25, 6:30pm, at the Knox Building Boardroom (111 Bethel St NE). Click here for more info or to sign up to comment by 4pm, today, 4/24
JOIN US AT THE WE AllSCHOOLS RALLY
Today, 4/25, at 4:30-6:30pm, in the field next to the Knox Building (111 Bethel St NE), show your support for allschools for the Rally before the Board Meeting.
We love all our schools and want each one to stay open and all programs/services to remain the same or increase for the ‘24-’25 school year. Click HERE for more event details.
FRIDAY SUPPORT
No matter the outcome from the 4/25 meeting, reach out to your Madison and McKenny friends. See how they’re doing, if they need anything or just lend an ear. If you’re a registered volunteer for OSD, stop by the school to see if there’s anything you can help with. We’re in this together!
