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Today’s edition · Sat., Nov. 14

SchoolsTop story

Olympia's school board votes 4-1 to close McKenny, Madison and LP Brown elementary schools

The Olympia School District board voted 4-1 Thursday to pass Resolution 689, closing McKenny, Madison and LP Brown elementary schools ahead of the 2027-28 school year. Director Maria Flores cast the one no vote.

The Daily Olympia team · 1 min read · 4 sources

Read the story The full edition

The Olympia school board voted 4-1 to close three schools

Olympia School District board vote, Nov. 12

4–1

Passed

Resolution 689: Authorizing School Closures

Yes 4

  • Fullerton
  • Lamont
  • Seidel
  • Tourtellotte-Palumbo

No 1

  • Flores

Sources: The Jolt News, The Olympian

View as table
MemberSeatVote
Renee FullertonYes
Gilbert LamontYes
Hilary SeidelYes
Jess Tourtellotte-PalumboYes
Maria FloresNo

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SchoolsFive parents ask a court to undo the Olympia school closure voteFive parents who are attorneys filed a Notice of Appeal Friday in Thurston County Superior Court, a day after the board's vote. They ask the court to invalidate it, according to a press release from the families.Today’s editionRead SchoolsOlympia School Board votes to close three elementary schoolsIf you have a kid at Madison, McKenny or LP Brown, the Olympia School Board voted Thursday night to close all three elementaries, and they will close next year. Superintendent Patrick Murphy proposed the plan in mid-September, and in a letter to district families he claimed the closures would amount to about $3.1 million in annual savings.Friday’s editionRead Health CareInsurers propose a 22.2% average hike for Washington individual health plans in 2027If you buy your own health insurance, here's a number to know: carriers have proposed an average 22.2% rate increase for individual plans in Washington next year. It would be the third straight year of double-digit hikes, and The Seattle Times says it's the second-highest on record for the state.Friday’s editionRead SchoolsAn Olympia School Board member asks to delay the vote on closing three elementary schools to Dec. 14If you've got a kid in the Olympia School District, today's board meeting is one to watch. Director Renee Fullerton is proposing the board postpone its vote to close three elementary schools to Dec. 14, according to documents for the Nov. 12 meeting.Thursday’s editionRead Public SafetyTumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley will retire in March after 32 years with the departmentTumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley is retiring after 32 years. His official retirement date is March 31, 2027, and Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Crimmins will be promoted to chief on April 1, 2027.Thursday’s editionRead Port of OlympiaSeaPort Airlines will fly between Spokane and Olympia for the legislative sessionIf you're headed between Spokane and the Capitol this winter, there's a new option. SeaPort Airlines will run two flights a week during the 105-day session, leaving Spokane's Felts Field Sundays at 3:25 p.m. and returning Fridays at 5:10 p.m. Tickets start at $279 each way. No drive over the mountains required.Wednesday’s editionRead

In brief

The edition’s short notes. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • PSE ratesIf you get power from Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a proposed three-year rate plan would raise your bills starting in February 2027, if approved.

    If you get power from Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a proposed three-year rate plan would raise your bills starting in February 2027, if approved. A typical residential electric customer would pay about $28 more a month in 2027, roughly $7 more in 2028 and almost $16 more in 2029. Monthly natural gas bills would rise by about $14, $4 and nearly $5 over the same years. Lacey City Council member Lenny Greenstein said residents tell him "they just can't afford these electric bills."

    News Notes · Today’s editionSources: The Jolt News, The Olympian

  • WeatherThe National Weather Service has issued coastal flood advisories for communities including Olympia.

    The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood advisories for communities including Olympia. "Minor coastal flooding" and high surf are possible, which could flood parking lots, parks and roads along low-lying shorelines. MyNorthwest says another stronger system is forecast Saturday night into Sunday, with strong, blustery winds, particularly along the coast. We suggest leaving extra time for shoreline roads.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSources: Bellingham Herald, mynorthwest.com

  • Fire staffingOlympia Fire Chief Hillory Flowers proposed four additional firefighters in the city's 2027 budget at the Tue., Nov.

    Olympia Fire Chief Hillory Flowers proposed four additional firefighters in the city's 2027 budget at the Tue., Nov. 10 City Council meeting. She described it as a cost-neutral staffing enhancement meant to reduce overtime.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Jolt News

  • Tumwater footballNo. 1 Tumwater beat No. 16 Black Hills 49-6 in the 2A State Tournament Round of 16 on Friday.

    No. 1 Tumwater beat No. 16 Black Hills 49-6 in the 2A State Tournament Round of 16 on Friday. It's the second time this season the Thunderbirds have topped the Wolves.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Daily Chronicle

  • Saint Martin's galaSaint Martin's University's black-tie Gala raised $1.42 million on Sat., Nov.

    Saint Martin's University's black-tie Gala raised $1.42 million on Sat., Nov. 7, with a significant portion going to student scholarships. Chef Renee Erickson hosted the evening at the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on the Lacey campus.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: ThurstonTalk

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Every event

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From MyNorthwest.com, Kitsap Sun and 6 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

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Daily Olympiato me · Sat., Nov. 146:00 a.m.

Olympia's school board votes 4-1 to close three elementary schools

Plus, five parents sue over the vote, and a rainy weekend is on the way.

The TLDR

  1. School board votes 4-1 to close three elementary schools
  2. Five parents file an appeal to undo the closure vote
  3. PSE's three-year rate plan would raise bills from February 2027
Read this edition