October 13, 2025

Olympia Candidates Address Budget and School Safety Issues

News Summary

Ahead of the upcoming election, Olympia school board candidates tackle budget challenges and school safety concerns. They propose innovative solutions to maintain educational resources and enhance student safety while emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Candidates highlight the need for transparency and collaboration in addressing financial difficulties and improving mental well-being in schools.

Olympia Candidates Tackle Budget Challenges and School Safety Ahead of Election

Olympia candidates for the school board are addressing critical budget challenges and school safety concerns ahead of the November 4 General Election. With ballots expected to be mailed out next week, voters have a chance to learn about each candidate’s stance on these pivotal issues.

The Olympia School District is currently facing financial difficulties. Candidate Renee Fullerton mentioned that the district has passed a budget reflecting reductions and predicted future expenses that will likely surpass anticipated revenues. Fullerton suggested that instead of closing under-enrolled schools, alternative approaches such as creating innovative small schools could be considered to maintain educational resources in the community.

Another candidate, Rhyan Smith, also opposes the notion of shuttering schools. He proposed strategies such as seeking additional state and federal grants, improving energy efficiency, and reducing administrative costs. Both candidates emphasized the need for transparency and active community input during budget discussions to foster trust and understanding among constituents.

School safety emerged as a significant concern among candidates. Fullerton pointed out that parents and students have voiced their worries about both physical safety and mental well-being in schools. She advocated for preventive violence programs and enhanced mental health resources to address these needs. Conversely, Smith called for the reintroduction of School Resource Officers (SROs) in high schools. He believes that having SROs on campus could strengthen relationships between students and law enforcement while also providing additional safety measures.

Both candidates recognized the importance of community resources in supporting educational programs amid budget constraints. Fullerton noted partnerships with organizations like Inspire Olympia could help maintain robust educational offerings. Smith suggested potential collaborations with local businesses to sustain a diverse array of programming even when funding is limited.

Additionally, candidates Gilbert Lamont and Emily Leddige also identified the need for strategic prioritization and community involvement in budget decisions. They highlighted the importance of open and collaborative approaches to budgeting, focusing on efficiency and transparency. Lamont emphasized that engaging the community in discussions would be essential for understanding the budgeting impacts, while Leddige underscored the significance of balance between fiscal responsibility and student success.

All candidates agreed that any conversations regarding the closure of schools must involve extensive community engagement, aiming to explore various alternatives. This consensus stems from a shared understanding of the negative impacts of the pandemic on students’ mental health and educational progression. They all stressed the importance of innovative solutions tailored to meet diverse student needs during these challenging times.

In light of ongoing financial deficits, candidates acknowledged the need for continued support for diverse learning opportunities and robust programming within schools. Their commitment to collaboration with families and educators reflects a broader goal of enhancing students’ emotional and mental well-being alongside their academic success.

To foster a stronger relationship with the community, candidates collectively emphasized that budget discussions must prioritize student outcomes, uphold clarity, and remain inclusive. This approach is crucial for rebuilding trust and ensuring a responsive educational environment within Olympia.

As the election date approaches, the Olympia community has the opportunity to weigh the candidates’ proposals on these significant issues, influencing the future direction of the school district in challenging times.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton