Three candidates have officially filed for candidacy in the Olympia School Board Director race in District 3, and three candidates have filed in District 5. Each race will go to the primary on August 5th in their respective districts. On November 4th, two candidates in each race will compete districtwide in the general election. We will continue to engage each candidate and inform the district community, and we encourage your support and turnout.
Today, we look at District 3 candidate, Rhyan Smith.
“I’m Rhyan Smith, running for Position 3 on the Olympia School Board. I grew up in Olympia and graduated from Olympia High School, where I met my wife in Mr. Freemantle’s ceramics class. I was a teacher in the Olympia School District, and my wife worked in attendance at Capital High School and in the front office at Olympia High School. We’ve raised four kids who have gone through or are currently attending OSD schools.
We have a deep connection to the Olympia community and are saddened to see how recent decisions by the OSD Board have led to declining enrollment, an increased focus on ideology over education, and the threat of school closures due to budget shortfalls.
I’m running because I look forward to partnering with the OSD community to provide balanced and trusted leadership.
I’m running because I look forward to partnering with the OSD community to provide balanced and trusted leadership. I want to listen to teachers and find ways to empower and equip them for success, especially as they are continually asked to do more with less. I want to listen to parents and be an objective, grounded voice on the board. I aim to use my 20 years of business ownership experience to help bring fiscal health back to our budget.
Together, I believe we can restore stability, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose to our schools. I would be grateful for your collaboration.”
If you have any questions for this candidate, we will be compiling them and presenting them to all candidates that declare their candidacy.
OSD4ALL is not a political organization and will not endorse any candidates. We do however want those who reside within the district to be able to easily access information on all the candidates, engage with them equitably, and ensure all questions for the candidates are answered (or at least asked) so you can make an informed decision on the school board members.