Long Term Planning

The district is beginning an update of its Strategic Plan as Washington prepares to introduce revised learning standards in the 2027-28 school year. Superintendent Murphy described a potential focus on Authentic Learning and Healthy Living, building on the district’s existing Student Outcomes and the work already taking place in OSD schools.

This approach would emphasize hands-on and experiential learning, collaboration, student voice, outdoor education, wellness, community partnerships and thoughtful, age-appropriate use of technology. Excellent instruction and strong relationships would remain at the center of the district’s work.

Enrollment projections completed by multiple organizations continue to indicate that district enrollment is likely to decline, with the greatest immediate changes occurring at the elementary level. The district has worked to strengthen enrollment through community outreach, expanded early learning opportunities and an updated transfer process. OSD currently enrolls more students transferring into the district than it loses through transfers to other districts.

At the same time, Olympia operates more elementary schools and has smaller average elementary and middle school enrollments than many comparable Washington school districts. Smaller schools are valued by many families and communities, but they also present financial and operational challenges because state funding is primarily based on the number of students served rather than the number of buildings operated.

Superintendent Murphy said the district must consider whether its current configuration will allow it to sustain the programs, staffing and educational experiences it wants for students over the long term.

The district’s Long-Range Facilities Master Plan identifies both aging infrastructure needs and opportunities to improve learning environments. Recommendations include flexible and adaptable instructional spaces, expanded career and technical education opportunities, outdoor learning areas, athletic facilities and spaces that better support student wellness, behavioral health and neurodiverse learners.

Superintendent Murphy said he intends to convene a community planning committee this winter to explore a potential bond measure for February 9, 2027. The committee would include community members and individuals with experience in previous district planning efforts. A potential bond could address deferred maintenance and safety needs while modernizing schools and creating learning environments designed to serve Olympia students for decades to come.

Superintendent Murphy expects to bring the School Board a comprehensive recommendation this fall addressing projected enrollment, the number and configuration of schools, long-term facilities needs and a potential capital bond. These topics would be considered together rather than as separate decisions.

Staff will continue refining enrollment, financial and facilities information over the summer. The School Board is scheduled to continue the discussion during an August 6 work session, and future updates, timelines and community engagement opportunities will be posted on this page.

During the Board’s initial discussion, directors emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive, student-centered vision and continuing to focus on the health, wellness and wraparound support needs of the students currently in OSD schools. This is the beginning of a larger conversation, not a final decision.