Happy almost New Year, Olympia! As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on what 2024 has meant for me and for our community. Like many, this time of year brings a moment of pause, a chance to look back. A year ago, I was filled with a mix of dread and hope. I was grappling with news that Madison Elementary, a school that had been a second home to my son, was being considered for closure. This was more than just a school to my son—it was where my child learned to ride a bike, throw a football, and where we connected with other families in our neighborhood. It was the heart of our community.
But on the night of December 14, 2023, that sense of community was threatened when the school board voted to consider closing Madison and McKenny Elementary schools. In moments like this, there are two choices: accept what seems inevitable or pause and ask why. Along with many of you, I chose to pause and stay curious. Why were closures being considered? Was it due to a budget deficit? Declining enrollment? A shift in the district’s vision? The information we received was unclear, but one thing was clear to many of us: our community needed to take action. Through curiosity, determination, and a shared commitment to the children in our community, a group of parents and community members—many of whom didn’t even have children at Madison or McKenny—came together. Organized through PTO/PTA, OSD4All was formed.
It’s funny how hope often shows up in unexpected places. For me, that hope came in the form of community. In the face of uncertainty, I found hope in the connections I made—through conversations with neighbors and parents who, like me, believed in the importance of our schools. It was in these moments of solidarity I realized how much our community meant, not just as individuals, but as a collective. We were all fighting for something bigger than ourselves: the future of our children and the strength of the community we had built together.
In just four months, we turned that hope into action. We hosted a Solutions Forum (because focusing on doom and gloom wouldn’t get us anywhere), empowered parents to navigate the legislative process, researched and wrote a counter-perspective to the district’s demographics report, and spoke at board meetings. We presented alternatives to the school board and Superintendent, which resulted in 50 more early learning spots for families. We also held a community healing event to support parents and community members who felt the deep impacts of possible closures.
In April, after all of our efforts, the Superintendent recommended that school closures be taken off the table for the coming year. All of this was accomplished in just four months.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of this community. People who looked at a problem and said, “There’s a better way,” and then took action to make it happen. I am beyond thankful for each person who stood up, said, “I want to be part of the solution,” and worked tirelessly to protect the heart of our communities.
While OSD4All was born out of a crisis, I’m excited about its potential moving forward. The upcoming legislative session brings new challenges, including a projected $10-$12 billion deficit for the state budget over the next four years. While there will be many priorities across the state, we must ensure that education remains at the top of the list. The state has a constitutional obligation to fund education, and it’s up to us to remind our elected officials that this is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral one. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a community member, the education of our children impacts all of us.
The past year has taught me one vital lesson: when this community is united and aligned, there is no challenge too big. As we look to the upcoming legislative session, I am confident that together we can ensure that fully funded education remains a priority.
I am proud to live in Olympia, where neighbors, parents, and community members are united in their commitment to brighter futures for our students. So, thank you—thank you to everyone who has been part of this movement. Thank you to my fellow OSD4All colleagues, past and present, and to the teachers and staff of the Olympia School District. I also want to say a very special thank you to my family. I know I’ve missed a lot of dinners this past year; thanks for keeping them warm until I got home. All of this to say, together this community made up of so many of us, is a force for change. We will continue to fight for the education our children deserve.
As legislative session is about to begin, OSD4All is ready to work alongside all of you to make sure our voices are heard. Let’s do this!
In Community,

Kelcy Shaffer
President, OSD4All