Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Local residents sounded off on the proposed closure of McKenny Elementary School at a public hearing in Olympia, with some people asking for it to stay open.
The Olympia School District (OSD) held the public hearing at McKenny on Monday, Oct. 12. It was the first of three hearings on the proposed closures of Madison Elementary School, McKenny Elementary School and LP Brown Elementary School.
Most of the commenters expressed dismay at the school closure proposal, including students, and urged the OSD Board of Directors to keep McKenny open.
“At McKenny, we belong together.… I hear there's a documentary in Japan. There was a school with only one student, and they kept a school for that kid. If they can keep a school open for one student, why can't we keep our McKenny School open for … more than 300 students? Please do not close our school,” said Ben, a fourth grade student at McKenny.
Parents also emphasized the closure process is the board’s responsibility, and they are questioning the board’s ability to carry out the process.
“Repeated closure threats drain families, unsettle children, and damage trust. Our students and our staff deserve stability. You have a responsibility to protect it. We call it McKenny magic because our students experience care and kindness every day here,” said Colette Paulson, a parent of three students who attended McKenny.
Parents also comforted students, who expressed their thoughts and opinions.
“To the students, this is not your burden to carry. You did not create this situation and it is not your responsibility to fix it. The adults in this room are responsible for doing the heavy lifting, for asking hard questions, finding solutions, and making sure that your needs are not lost in this process,” said parent Jessie Moreno-Graham.
OSD Board of Directors President Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo said the board’s responsibility during the hearing was to listen and to make sure everyone who wishes to speak had the opportunity to be heard.
“We recognize this is a difficult process for many of our community members and we know how deeply students, families, staff and community members care about McKenny,” Tourtellotte-Palumbo said.
McKenny Principal Michael Havens did not attend the public hearing, but was present before it started.
OSD Superintendent Patrick Murphy and the OSD Board of Directors also attended the public hearing.
At one point, Murphy recognized Havens for his work through the years.
“I want to acknowledge Principal Havens, who has led this school with great care and dedication for many years. Many of you know he was here earlier this evening welcoming students and families as they arrived, and while he won't be staying for the testimony, he will be back at school tomorrow morning as always, supporting students, staff and learning. And I know how deeply he cares about this school, its community and I wanted to make sure we acknowledge that tonight,” Murphy said.
Nonprofit OSD4All made note of Havens not being at the public hearing in a social media post.
“These are the nights when students, families, staff, and neighbors are asked to share their most vulnerable stories, to defend their school’s existence and explain its value. For teachers and staff, their livelihoods and careers are part of what hangs in the balance. Wouldn’t you expect their principals to be standing alongside them?” wrote OSD4All in the social media post.
OSD4All added everything they know about OSD principals shows “they care deeply about their kids and their people” and that the district leadership needs to explain what directions the principals have received.
According to an email the district sent in response to The JOLT’s request for an explanation, the OSD denied a claim that Murphy had directed principals not to attend the hearings.
The purpose of the hearing was to listen to the public before the board makes a final decision on the school closures in November. The district was scheduled to hold a public hearing at LP Brown Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15.
8 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Honestyandrealityguy
I believe the kids need better: reading, writing and arithmetic. Then I note the unions control.
Thursday, October 15 Report this
TheVirtualOne
Unfortunately the demographics do not support keeping all schools open anymore due to low birth rates.. Closing schools is a national issue that will continue unless the formula for funding schools changes. I feel for the parents who are dealing with the situation.
Thursday, October 15 Report this
KurtWochholz
If I had to choose (out of necessity) between funding these schools or repairing sidewalks downtown then the choice for schools staying open would be an easy decision. Our youth come first.
Thursday, October 15 Report this
SilenceD
Keep McKenny open! We have more important things to worry about than padding a self-imposed fund balance requirement at the expense of disrupting families' lives in the school district.
Friday, October 16 Report this
OlyBlues
OSD's decision to give teachers double digit % raises several years ago when they did not have the budget for it was irresponsible and misguided then and even worse now when combined with years of low enrollment. The WEA and Oly teacher's union prevailed, kids lost, and the District budget now heads towards bankruptcy if significant steps to reduce spending are not taken. While no one wants to see schools close, it also does not make sense for the rest of the community to excess subsidize underutilized buildings, maintenance, and pay for duplicate staff when there is room in other schools to consolidate.
If these parents want the aura of their children attending what is in essence a private school with small class sizes, they can either: 1. home school 2. enroll their children in private school or 3. start a permanent fundraiser for their individual schools to pay the difference to keep the school open. The school district has a fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and I applaud Supt. Murphy for proposing these closures. For the affected children and parents, life is full of adversity and change and this is a good lesson that nothing is permanent and attaching ourselves to buildings is unrealistic. You build community where you are. Responsible parenting could look like working with the district and preparing and supporting the affected children through this consolidation.
Friday, October 16 Report this
CobraCommander
Honestyandrealityguy sucessful demonstrates the need for quality education through incomplete sentences.
Friday, October 16 Report this
TheVirtualOne
OlyBlues - Well said.
Friday, October 16 Report this
JW
Close it. Enough with the government school sob stories.
Saturday, October 17 Report this