Public commenters press Olympia School District on racism, AI guidance and communications

At the Feb. 27 board meeting several public commenters urged action on discrimination in schools, sought clearer district guidance on artificial intelligence and raised concerns about communications and enrollment outreach.

Desiree Chantal Tolliver used her three-minute public-comment slot to say discrimination remains “rampant” in district schools and to urge board members to take concrete steps beyond statements. Tolliver told the board, “Lip service doesn't feed. Lip service doesn't teach. Lip service does not create opportunities to anybody,” and said she has repeatedly urged board action on matters she described as racial bias and harassment.

Renee Fullerton asked the board to convene a broader community conversation and local policy on student and staff use of generative AI tools. Fullerton said the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction guidance leaves “a lot to the discretion of teachers” and warned that privacy, data use and energy costs tied to AI compute should be part of local policy. “If you're not paying for it, you are the product,” she said, arguing the district should teach students how to use tools responsibly and protect their data.

Other public commenters raised related operational concerns. Brian Brannies, speaking during the agenda portion, disputed narratives of district decline and urged the board to avoid “a scarcity mindset” in planning. “We're growing. We're not shrinking,” Brannies said, citing revised enrollment projections the district presented. Other commenters, including community volunteer Erica (last name provided in the sign-in), requested clearer, board-specific communications channels for meeting announcements and expressed frustration with timing and sign-up processes for public comment.

Board members acknowledged the concerns. Superintendent Patrick Murphy thanked public commentators and noted ongoing efforts with tribal partners and community groups; the board and staff also said they will continue to review district policy on technology and conduct outreach. No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting.

Those who spoke during public comment included Desiree Chantal Tolliver; Brian Brannies; Renee Fullerton; Erica (commenter who raised communications concerns); and Howard Goldberg (spoke in support of community ties to schools). The board invited further engagement and noted companion conversations and events the district and community groups are hosting on equity and community partnerships in coming weeks.