OSD4ALL
Nov 14, 2024 Press Release

Nov 14, 2024 Press Release

Olympia Parents Form Nonprofit to Advocate for Equity, Accountability, and a Fully Funded Public Education System in Washington State

OSD4All designated as a 501c4 nonprofit to provide advocacy and increased public engagement through digital campaigns, reports, and events

OLYMPIA, WA (November 14, 2024) – Parents of students in Olympia have established the nonprofit OSD4All with a mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and equity in the public education system. The organization began as a grassroots campaign in November 2023 to push back against the Olympia School District and their board of directors’ vote to consider school closures to close a projected $3.5 million budget gap. OSD4All held a community forum presenting solutions to the district’s budget gaps; advocated at the state level that led to increased state funding; and facilitated letters signed by district education and parent-teacher groups. The closure consideration finally ended after a successful legal appeal brought forward by a group of local parents.

With school closure currently taken out of consideration, OSD4All will now focus on providing advocacy, public engagement, and research to foster an inclusive, equitable, and accountable public education system for Olympia families.


Key points about OSD4All:

  • Focus Area: Public Education funding
  • Target Community: Greater-Olympia area, partnering with state- and nation-wide groups
  • Leadership Team: Kelcy Shaffer, President; Sheila Beadling (Vice President); Erika Lari (Treasurer); Miriam Hathaway (Secretary)
  • Initial Programs: Providing strong digital presence to keep community informed; Creating reports on key findings; Host events to directly engage with the public

“Since we’re a group of parents and community organizers, we have a vested interest in openness and clarity in education policies that directly impact our children,” says Kelcy Shaffer, President at OSD4All, “We are committed to eliminating disparities in education, advocating for equal opportunities and resources for all students in the Olympia School District.”

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About OSD4All

OSD4All is a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advocacy, public engagement, and research to foster an inclusive, equitable, and accountable public education system for Olympia students and families. Through outreach, partnerships, and innovation, we aim to create a future where the Olympia School District and its Board of Directors are fully accountable, responsive to the needs of all students, and committed to fostering environments where every learner thrives and reaches their full potential. Learn more at: www.osd4all.org.

For more information, please contact:

Erika Lari
OSD4All Treasurer
together@osd4all.org

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