Every year in December, the Olympia School Board elects officers for the coming year during its annual reorganization.
At its December 11, 2025, meeting, the board elected Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo as this year’s board president and Maria Flores as vice president.
Tourtellotte-Palumbo administered the oath of office to newly elected board members Renee Fullerton and Gilbert Lamont. Superintendent Patrick Murphy, Director Seidel and President Tourtellotte-Palumbo thanked Scott Clifthorne and Darcy Huffman for their service on the school board.
Board members are also appointed annually to serve as liaisons with various community groups and state agencies. This year’s appointments include:
- Maria Flores, who will serve as board representative to the Olympia Education Foundation Board of Directors.
- Renee Fullerton, who will continue as board representative to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Clifthorne also agreed to continue as a board liaison with the City of Olympia and the school district on school safety.
- Gilbert Lamont, who will continue as legislative representative to the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).
- Hilary Seidel, who will continue as board representative to the Thurston Regional Planning Council.
- Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo, who will continue as board representative to the Olympia Schools Supportive Education Council (OSSEC).
Director Fullerton and President Tourtellotte-Palumbo will act as liaisons to our student board representatives, partnering with them to support student voice and maintain strong communication with the Board.