“David Olson has valuable experience as an 11-year member of Gig Harbor’s Peninsula School Board, where students post results well above average.”
Seattle Times Editorial Board 6/9/2024
About David
A devoted husband, father of four, and retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer. Raised in a small town, David learned the values of hard work, integrity, and community from an early age. These principles guided him throughout his 28-year military career and continue to influence his approach to leadership and service. He and his wife, Tonia, have been married for 26 years, and together they’ve raised their children in the Peninsula School District, where David has also dedicated over a decade of service on the School Board.
When he’s not working or volunteering, David enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring the beautiful outdoors of Washington, and staying active in his local community. Now, driven by his deep commitment to education—fostered by having five family members who are teachers, including his wife, son, and sister —David is stepping up to lead our education system with a mission to prioritize student success and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.
A Proven Leader and Advocate
David’s journey began with his enlistment in the U.S. Navy right out of high school. Entering as a junior enlisted and training as an electrician, he soon took on the demanding and exhilarating role of a Navy Diver. His duties included underwater welding and ship maintenance, experimental and saturation diving, and various classified projects that tested his skills and resilience. Over a 28-year career, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.
Settling in the Peninsula School District since 2005, he ensured his children received a high-quality education—a choice he believes should be available to every parent. With education being a cornerstone of his family and values, David is deeply passionate about ensuring that all students have access to the best possible education.
A Community Servant
Elected to the Peninsula School District Board in 2013, and twice re-elected since, David has held various leadership roles, including President, Vice President, and his boards Legislative Representative for his entire tenure. Additionally, in 2015, he was elected to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. His deep connection to his community drives his passion for making it the best place to live and raise a family. His extensive local involvement underscores his dedication to community and educational improvement.
Vision for PSD's Future
· Prioritizing Student Achievement: Providing essential resources to close the achievement gap.
· Equitable Funding: Advocating to reforming outdated funding models to allocate resources where they are needed most – especially fully funding special education.
· Empowering Parental Involvement: Ensuring parents are informed and involved in decision-making processes.
THE PLATFORM
David Olson: A Proven Leader for Peninsula Schools
For over a decade, David Olson has delivered real results on the Peninsula School Board. His record shows that he stands for common-sense solutions and accountable leadership—putting students and families first.
Delivering Academic Excellence
The Facts:
– Statewide, we spend an average of $18,287 per student. Yet under current policies, only half of our students meet state standards in ELA, with math and science results lagging even further behind.
– In contrast, Peninsula’s test scores are consistently in the top 10% statewide, thanks to early interventions and data-driven decision-making.
What Olson Will Do:
– Target academic support where it’s needed most.
– Expand tutoring and mentoring programs to help struggling students, while maintaining robust advanced programs like AP classes.
– Demand that state funding supports these initiatives—no more band-aid fixes.
Standing Up for Special Education
The Facts:
– Under current leadership, special education funding has been undercut, leaving families and students without necessary resources.
– Olson’s district avoided disruptions during the pandemic by collaborating with unions to ensure continuous, in-person support for special education students.
– In response to community feedback, the district also established a Special Educational Parents Advisory Committee to enhance services for students with special needs, ensuring that every child’s unique challenges are addressed.
What Olson Will Do:
– Advocate forcefully for equitable funding for special education across the state.
– Ensure every child, regardless of ability, gets the support they need to thrive.
Confronting the Mental Health Crisis Head-On
The Facts:
– Washington faces one of the nation’s worst teen mental health records, with high suicide and substance abuse rates and doubled absenteeism.
– The Peninsula School District set the pace statewide by restricting cell phones in classrooms and blocking social media in schools—measures that have improved student focus and reduced distractions.
What Olson Will Do:
– Scale these successful mental health initiatives across the district and advocate for their adoption statewide.
– Expand partnerships with local organizations and continue to invest in comprehensive mental health resources, including additional psychologists and counselors.
– Listen to community concerns and replicate successful strategies—like the innovative use of technology policies and dedicated advisory committees—to support the well-being of every student.
A Champion for Parental and Family Involvement
David Olson understands that when parents are actively involved in their children’s education, student success rates soar. In the Peninsula School District, Olson worked to ensure parents had a seat at the table—serving on curriculum committees, parent advisory boards, audit committees, and more. This collaborative approach has not only improved outcomes but has also strengthened trust between families and schools.
The Facts:
– Research and real-world experience show that active parental involvement boosts student success.
– Olson has a long track record of including parents in curriculum, budgeting, and strategic planning.
What Olson Will Do:
– Keep families at the center of decision-making.
– Create even more opportunities for parents to have a direct voice in shaping school policy and programs.
– Advocate at the state level to address policies that restrict parental access
A Commitment to Equitable and Common-Sense Funding
David Olson’s leadership on the Peninsula School Board has demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility.
The Facts:
– Peninsula has built six new schools on time and under budget by refusing to rely on short-term fixes like federal funding for operations and preventing teacher layoffs.
– The current state funding model leaves poorer districts at a disadvantage while over-relying on local levies.
What Olson Will Do:
– Push state legislators for a fair funding model that meets our state's constitutional duty to educate every child.
– Push to end the reliance on local levies and ensure sustainable, equitable funding for all districts.
A Vision for the Future
David Olson’s vision for Peninsula's schools is simple: put students first. His experience in balancing budgets, improving academic outcomes, and addressing the mental health crisis proves he is right choice. By focusing on academic achievement, equitable funding, and student well-being, Olson is committed to creating a school system where every child can succeed.
Focus On Academic Rigor and Support Opportunities
Academic Excellence: Empowering Every Student for a Competitive Future
Our public schools must be environments where every student - whether excelling or facing challenges - receives the support and stimulation necessary to succeed. High-achieving students deserve access to rigorous coursework and specialized programs that prepare them for college and a competitive global workforce. Robust offerings like AP courses and College in the High School opportunities ensure that our top students are not held back by a one‐size‐fits‐all approach.
In the Peninsula School District, our latest OSPI report confirms our standing in the top decile, with reading, math, and science scores consistently surpassing state averages by double digits. We are not just meeting benchmarks - we’re setting them. As a national leader in Innovation and AI [ 2025 Center for Digital Education and National School Boards Association's Innovative Technology Integration Award Winner] our district embraces cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking practices. In 2024, the Peninsula School District was the only district in Washington to receive two U.S. Dept of Education Green School Awards - a clear testament to our commitment to sustainable, innovative learning environments. Our pioneering outdoor kindergarten classes offer hands-on, real-world experiences that spark curiosity and creativity in our youngest learners.
Excellence is not solely for the high-flyers. We must also deliver measurable improvements for those who need extra help. Through honest assessments and targeted interventions, we are reducing achievement gaps and driving up proficiency levels - leaving no student behind.
Our commitment to holistic education extends well beyond traditional academics. Strategic partnerships, such as our collaboration with Boeing, have enabled us to launch an Aviation Academy as part of our comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) options. Complementing this, our nationally recognized Navy JROTC program equips students with leadership skills and real-world discipline, opening doors to exciting career pathways.
We also recognize that state special education funding falls short of covering the true costs of essential services. I remain steadfast in using my platform to advocate for full funding of special education programs - including robust support for general education para-educators—by working closely with state legislators to address serious McCleary shortfalls. Expanding early intervention programs is critical to ensuring every student receives the help they need as early as possible.
This is a clear, forward-thinking commitment to academic excellence that delivers measurable results. By investing in rigorous academics, innovative learning environments, and tailored support, we are ensuring that every student in the Peninsula School District is prepared to thrive in a competitive world. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of what our schools can achieve - together, we can empower every student for a brighter future.
Expanding Options for the Skilled Trades
"As someone who built a career as a Navy electrician, underwater welder, and Navy saturation diver, I’ve experienced firsthand the pride and purpose that come from mastering a skilled trade. It’s not just about earning a paycheck—it’s about building something tangible, something that lasts. That’s why I’m passionate about ensuring every student has the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling career in the trades, without feeling pressured by the outdated notion that college is the only path to success."
Across the nation, we’re facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. Reports show that the U.S. has a shortfall of over 7 million skilled tradespeople, a gap that continues to grow as the current workforce ages and fewer young people enter these fields. This isn’t just a problem—it’s an opportunity. By promoting skilled trades as a respected and viable career path, we can equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to thrive in high-demand, well-paying careers, all while avoiding the burden of student loan debt.
Offering pathways into the skilled trades isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about restoring the value of hard work, craftsmanship, and the critical role these professions play in building and sustaining our communities. Olson's vision for Washington State’s education system includes preparing students for a future where they can achieve economic independence, job security, and personal fulfillment through careers in the skilled trades.
By investing in vocational training and removing the stigma around these careers, we can close the skills gap and create a workforce that is not only prepared for the challenges of tomorrow but is also proud of the work they do. Addressing this shortage is essential not only for the health of our economy but for the strength and resilience of our communities.
Addressing Mental Health and Discipline
Student well-being is inseparable from academic performance. The growing crisis of anxiety and depression among young people, as highlighted by Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation, is alarming. Excessive cell phone and social media use are harming adolescents’ mental health, and we must act now.
In 2023, Olson’s school board passed a policy restricting cell Phones & social media in classrooms. Nationwide we are seeing the harm cell phones and social media is causing to our youth and students. Especially among young girls, social media bullying is creating extreme anxiety and depression - and suicidal thoughts - and cell phone use during class has a devastating impact on academic performance. The new policy has reduced student stress, increased student engagement, reduced discipline issues, and increased academic scores.
Across the state, teachers are struggling to deal with students with mental health issues. Teachers are not mental health experts, and we must support them - we must find a solution. Olson will advocate at the state level for the expansion of programs like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) that focus on promoting positive behavior rather than relying solely on punitive measures. This approach will help create a more supportive school environment where all students can thrive.
Achieving Financial Sustainability
David’s School District achieved financial sustainability without relying on one-time federal pandemic relief funds and delivered results.
" On financial prudence, too, Olson’s district was ahead of the pack, avoiding reliance on short-term federal aid during COVID to balance its budget. By contrast, many other districts used that money to pay for counselors and social workers. Now, with the funds set to run out next month, they are caught flat-footed: forced to lay off these aides at a moment of critical need or find another way to pay for them. " Seattle Times 8.11.24
“During the pandemic school shutdowns, when Olson was president of the board, the Peninsula School District worked with its teachers to open classrooms for special education kids early, confronting the extra damage that Zoom school was doing to these students. After all children returned, Olson and the Peninsula board instituted a ban on cellphones, addressing the powerful threat to learning posed by these devices.”
“Olson, a former Navy diver-turned-banker, also should be commended for emphasizing fiscal discipline. During the pandemic, Peninsula schools avoided using onetime funds from the federal government to cover ongoing financial obligations. In doing so, Peninsula sidestepped the cutoff now stranding districts with less acumen across the state. These approaches demonstrate leadership.”
Seattle Times, June 9th, 2024