UPDATE: We're on to the general!

Thanks to your incredible support, we won the primary with 58.43% of the vote! I’m thrilled to share that we’re moving on to the general election—and the work ahead couldn’t be more important.

As a first-time candidate, I have been honored by all the support, wise thoughts, kindness, and hope the community has shared with me. Every conversation has been an opportunity to connect about how to move forward together. We all have big dreams for Olympia’s children and youth, and I’m proud to take the next step into the general election because of all your help. - Renee

Hello, I’m Renee, and I’m honored to be seeking the role of Olympia School Board Director for District 3. I am an experienced leader and public servant with relationships that span Washington’s educational and workforce systems. I bring creative thinking, a demonstrated track record in policy development, a commitment to transparency, and a comfort with complexity—all of which I will bring to the work of supporting every student in our district.

Rooted in Our Schools and Community

My husband and I moved to Olympia in 2012 and have built our lives here. Our two children were born in Olympia and attend neighborhood schools in District 3. We love our schools, our teachers, and our support staff. Both of us have been actively involved in our children’s schools through PTAs and parent-teacher organizations. These connections have deepened my appreciation for the everyday dedication it takes to help students thrive.

I believe deeply that a high-quality public education should meet students where they are and build on their unique strengths. This is not just a goal—it is a right. As community members, we all share responsibility in making that right a reality.

A Listener, a Learner, and a Leader

Over the past year, as our community faced tough decisions around school closures and funding reductions, I began attending Olympia School Board meetings to better understand the full scope of the issues and perspectives involved. Since September 2024, I’ve been consistently present, listening to the thoughtful and passionate voices of parents, students, and staff. That experience solidified my desire to serve—because I know that collaborative, informed leadership matters now more than ever.

My own family’s education journey has not been without challenges. Like so many others, our youngest began kindergarten in the remote school year of 2020–2021. The educators we worked with during that difficult time went above and beyond, and I’ll always be grateful. The impacts of those years are still felt—by students, teachers, and families. As a board member, I will be dedicated to supporting both the cohorts most impacted by the pandemic and the new classes entering our schools.

Bridging Policy and Real-World Experience

In my professional life, I’ve worked across sectors to strengthen educational and workforce outcomes. For the past three years, I’ve served in a policy role at Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, focusing on health workforce development. I help shape state-level policy to support students moving into high-demand healthcare careers.

I also serve on the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, where I’ve learned the value of working across government silos to better serve communities. The growing mental health needs of students are of particular concern to me, and I bring experience from my work on the statewide Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group to help OSD address those needs.

Before my current role, I served as executive director for five health professional licensing boards. That experience taught me the responsibilities and expectations that come with public board service—particularly the importance of transparency, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.

A Deep Sense of Responsibility

Outside of work and school activities, I enjoy reading, trying out new recipes (even when my kids don’t love the results!), and hiking when I can. More often than not, though, you’ll find me outside cheering on a youth soccer game.

I understand the magnitude of responsibility that comes with serving on the Olympia School Board. The decisions we make affect real lives—students, families, educators, and our broader community. I would be honored to bring my experience, dedication, and heart to this important work, and I would be grateful for your support.