As a deeply concerned member of the Olympia community, I am deeply concerned about what the Olympia School Board is trying to do to all of our students. The COVID-19 pandemic has already wreaked havoc on their education, causing school closures and disrupting their learning environment. Now, they face another potential setback - school consolidation.

School consolidation is not just about merging buildings; it's about disrupting communities. It disrupts established social networks and support systems that our children rely on for their emotional well-being. The impacts are far reaching beyond just the students and their community. It creates larger class sizes which can lead to decreased individual attention from teachers and lower academic outcomes. Research proves that displaced students have lower test scores upwards of a 5.9% decrease after being displaced. 

According to a study by the National Education Policy Center, consolidating schools often does not lead to significant cost savings or improved educational outcomes (National Education Policy Center). In fact, it can exacerbate issues of equity and access for students who are already disadvantaged. OSD Board is trying to close 2 Title 1 schools in the same district. 

Our children have endured enough disruption due to COVID-19 closures. They need stability now more than ever as they navigate these challenging times both socially and academically. We cannot afford further community destabilization that will push this subset of kids even further behind.

It's time we prioritize our children's needs over administrative convenience or budgetary concerns. Let us stand together as a community in Olympia, WA against school consolidation plans that could negatively impact our youngest learners' futures.

Please sign this petition today to halt school consolidation in Olympia, WA!