Letters to the editor for July 23

Elect Seidel to Olympia Schools’ position 4

Please join me in voting for Hilary Seidel for position 4 of the Olympia School Board.

I have known Hilary since our now high school-aged kids attended elementary school together. I know her to be a person of integrity. She makes decisions based on the best available research and a firm ethic of kindness.

Hilary sees the diversity of our children as a core part of our community’s strength. She works to ensure that the Olympia School District is working in service of that diversity.

On the school board, she helped maintain student academic achievement; Olympia School District’s graduation rates are among the highest in the state. She expanded access to both advanced and alternative learning, helping to meet the needs of students with a variety of learning styles and goals. She prioritized the critical area of career and technical education to ensure that students have the training they need to enter the workforce, regardless of their path.

She recognizes the importance of social, creative, emotional, and physical well-being and has nearly doubled elementary students’ access to art, music, and physical education.

Hilary recognizes that schools are collaborative and foundational parts of our larger community. She has consistently built relationships with leaders across Olympia to further district and community goals, such as creating safe walking and biking pathways to all Olympia schools.

Hilary brings the kind of thoughtful, informed, and hard-working approach to the Olympia School Board that our region’s families and students need.

Janae Huber, Olympia

Vote Jess for Olympia School Board

I am excited to endorse Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo for Olympia School Board, district 2. As a former school board director that served from 2019 to 2022 for district 2, I can attest that Jess possesses all the qualities needed to be a caring, attentive, and thoughtful member of the board. Her life experiences and unwavering passion for education make her a strong advocate for the betterment of our school district and the lives of our students.

Jess’s platform outlines areas of focus that will bring positivity to our educational community. Her commitment to stronger transitional services is a huge asset. Jess’s vision of bridging PreK-12 and higher education is vital in supporting the holistic growth of our students. When these communities work together, our students thrive, ensuring success beyond high school as lifelong learners and contributing members of society.

Jess is committed to promoting a deeper understanding of histories and cultures in the classroom. Our students should be able to see themselves reflected in the materials they study and the educators who guide them. By embracing diverse perspectives and accurate representation, we foster an inclusive learning environment that values and celebrates the richness of our community’s diversity.

Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo’s core values of reflection, accountability, listening, and transparency resonate deeply with me and reinforce my belief in her ability to lead with integrity and empathy.

I urge my fellow community members to join me in voting for Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo for the Olympia School Board.

Justin McKaughan, Olympia

Port must clean up pollution first

There has been a lot said about more building by the Port of Olympia on the peninsula. It seems that everyone forgets the pollution left by previous activity.

The main culprit is dioxin. Dioxin came from former creosote operations and old wood burners. Dioxin is in the soil at the Port. Dioxin is also long lasting.

There has been some clean up at the Port but questions remain. Some material was moved elsewhere on the peninsula. Samples need to be taken at the Port to determine where the dioxins remain.

Dioxin is dangerous to children. The EPA says dioxins are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and interfere with hormones. A sampling should be done immediately before any digging or building is done.

Tell the Port Commissioners that we need this study.

John Newman, Olympia