Packed McKenny hearing: students and parents urge board to keep school open; vote set for Nov. 12

Hundreds of parents, teachers and students filled McKenny Elementary's gym Monday night, Oct. 12, for the Olympia School District's first hearing on closing three elementary schools. More than 50 people spoke against closing McKenny, The Olympian reported.

What's proposed. Superintendent Patrick Murphy has recommended closing McKenny, Madison and LP Brown before the 2027-28 school year. The district's FAQ estimates annual savings of about $3.14 million. Board policy and state law require a hearing at each school before the board votes Nov. 12.

What students said. Fourth-grader Ben Ulbricht said many languages are spoken in McKenny's halls. "At McKenny, we belong together," he said, according to The Olympian.

What adults said. One parent described the school's spirit as "McKenny magic." Kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Shaffer said the teachers union is collecting signatures for a delay until the district answers questions about class sizes, staffing and services. Parent Madeline Symm warned that students reassigned to Centennial would lose safe walking routes along Boulevard Road, which lacks consistent sidewalks.

What's next. LP Brown's hearing is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15; Madison's is 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Written comments go to Olympia School District, Attn: School Board, 111 Bethel Street NE, Olympia, WA 98506.