Olympia looks to close 3 schools amid another $3.5 million in projected cuts

Olympia is looking to consolidate three elementary schools as the district projects another $3.5 million in cuts.

Madison Elementary, McKenny Elementary, and LP Brown Elementary would be closed and consolidated, according to a letter to families from Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy.

“I recognize that for students, families, and staff at Madison, McKenny, and LP Brown, this proposal is about far more than buildings, enrollment, or budgets,” Murphy wrote. “These schools are communities built on relationships, shared experiences, and years of commitment, and I understand why the prospect of closure brings frustration and worry.”

Enrollment projected to keep dropping at elementary level

District enrollment is projected to keep dropping, particularly at the elementary level, and will eventually affect middle and high schools, according to Murphy.

“We have monitored enrollment, pursued new revenue, expanded early-learning options, and increased the number of students transferring into the district,” Murphy stated. “While the number of students who live outside our district and transfer in has increased, those efforts have not reversed the larger demographic trend.”

The district has made yearly cuts since 2023 of $7 million, $1.3 million, $364,000, and $3.5 million. Murphy noted that twice in the past few years, office administrators have gone through furlough days and temporary pay freezes while pay increases for other employees went forward.

“We have worked deliberately to protect schools and classrooms, but central-office reductions alone cannot resolve the ongoing structural cost of operating more school buildings than enrollment supports,” he wrote.

Closing Olympia schools would save around $3.1 million

Closing the elementary schools would save around $3.1 million and would allow future funding to improve the buildings and serve students. Consolidating the schools would also avoid around $137 million in projected facility investments, according to Murphy.

The district said it wants to act before a major financial crisis happens or buildings reach critical conditions.

“Cutting over $12 million over the past four years and facing another projected roughly $3.5 million in reductions this coming spring may not amount to insolvency, but it creates significant year-after-year strain on staffing, programs and our ability to sustain services,” Murphy wrote. “That uncertainty affects the culture in our buildings, throughout our district, and in our community. This change will help us protect the programs that make Olympia special.”

He noted the district is updating its strategic plan, with more information on the district’s long-term planning webpage.

Public hearing for each school next month

Olympia currently operates 11 elementary schools serving around 3,500 students for an average of 319 students per school. Meanwhile, nearby districts, such as North Thurston, operate 13 elementary schools with around 524 students per school.

There will be a public hearing for each school: McKenny Elementary on Oct. 12 at 6 p.m., LP Brown Elementary on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m., and Madison Elementary on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. Parents are also encouraged to share their feedback and ideas through this Google form.

The Olympia School Board will vote on the closures on Nov. 12.

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