Thursday, October 1, 2026
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The Olympia City Council approved a resolution in support of Olympia School District’s Proposition 1, a four-year technology and capital projects replacement levy on the Feb. 10 Special Election ballot.
The city council held a public hearing on the levy during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The council heard testimony both in support of and against Proposition 1. Some community members raised concerns about school district finances and priorities.
Proposition 1 would replace an existing levy and fund technology upgrades, building repairs, safety improvements and other capital needs across the district.
During the public comment period, Terry Ballard, a veteran, raised concerns about the school district's finances. Citing data from the Thurston County Treasurer's website, he said the school district has approximately $192 million in outstanding debt.
He noted the school district carried large reported debts in 2016 ($47 million), 2018 ($16.5 million), and 2020 ($59.5 million and $24 million) that were "voted in by the people."
OSD4All board member Erika Lari criticized the district’s spending priorities. She said the district has focused more on “fiscally centered solutions” than on “student-centered ones,” arguing that administrative and program costs have increased while direct support for students has declined.
“Our student population has remained largely steady, and if we're having issues with enrollment, I've seen programs expanded based on student interest and shrunk because the district would not pay for a teacher,” Lari told the city council.
Lari questioned the school district’s use of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), the federal pandemic relief funds, saying it could have better supported students during post-COVID transitions.
Instead, the funds were spent on expanded instructional coaching and programming costs while reducing or eliminating core services, such as music programs, librarian time and school buildings.
Ryan Betz, chair of Olympia Citizens for Schools and a parent of two district students, spoke in support of the levy, saying the schools teaching, technology and facilities make them “healthy and safe places for our kids to learn” and are a central reason families choose to live in Olympia. He said the levy pays for practical, “not exciting” items, but stressed those investments keep schools safe and healthy places for kids to learn.
Before making the motion, Council member Kelly Green, a parent of two children attending school in the district, voiced strong support for the levy.
She said well-funded schools benefit the entire community, not just families with children.
“Every community needs and wants well-educated youth,” said Green, emphasizing the levy maintains existing funding rather than creating new costs.
The city council voted unanimously to support Proposition 1. Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan said the levy is not a new tax. It would replace an expiring four-year levy and is estimated to raise $72.9 million over the next four years.
Funds would be used for technology, safety, and capital projects across the district, including touch screen mobile devices, Chromebook carts, classroom display systems and audio upgrades. The money would also be used for safety sensors and new or replacement Internet Protocol-video cameras for secondary schools, as well as Ingersoll Stadium improvements, including HVAC and energy-efficient work.
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Honestyandrealityguy
Spending like drunken sailors is never good. Learn to budget.
Tuesday, February 3 Report this
CobraCommander
Honestyandrealityguy has a comprehension problem, is illiterate, or both (probably both).
"the levy is not a new tax. It would replace an expiring four-year levy and is estimated to raise $72.9 million over the next four years."
Just like a republican to complain about any and all school spending.
Wednesday, February 4 Report this
ViaLocal
ahaha
Wednesday, February 4 Report this
JW
Now is the time to lessen the onerous property tax burden felt by everyone. Vote no and save some green!
Wednesday, February 4 Report this