Q&A: Mead School board candidate Robert (Bob) Olson
Mead School District 3:
Robert (Bob) Olson
Age: 74
Notable experience: Olson has been on the school board since 1985. He worked as a banker in Seattle for First National Bank (later Bank of America).
Education: Graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1959. Earned degrees from Eastern Washington University and the Pacific Coast Banking School.
What needs to be done to address the overcrowding issues in the District? Specifically, how can Mead redraw school boundaries with minimal impact on students/parents?
A committee is being formed this fall that will address the school district’s boundaries, so that elementary school overcrowding will be reduced. The district has recently purchased 68 acres on Five Mile Prairie where an additional school will be built.
What is the most pressing issue facing the District ?
Security for our students is our most pressing issue. We are currently in the process of installing single point entry in all of our schools. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of doing everything possible to secure the safety of all students.
Do you think think the Mead school district should continue to offer high school football, given both the cost and the danger of concussions ?
As long as parents want football to be offered, we will continue to offer the program. Our coaching staff must ensure that all safety regulations must be enforced in order to minimize the danger of concussions.
Do you support the sex education curriculum currently taught in the district? Why or why not?
Our curriculum committee which is comprised of administrators, teachers and parents reviews our curriculum on a regular basis and reports to the board annually. I do support the current program.
Are there any books currently in libraries within the district or on class reading lists that you feel are not appropriate to be used in schools?
No, because I believe our librarians are professionals in their fields, and, furthermore, they consult with the curriculum committee on whether or not a particular book is appropriate for students.
Should evolution be taught in public schools ?
Evolution is not the responsibility of school boards. The courts and state legislatures are ultimately responsible for that decision.
If you could change one thing about the district what would it be and why?
We are very proud of the district because our students achieve high test scores, and a high percentage (92.5%) graduate high school on time. However, we know we must continually improve. If change is meant to improve, I would support that.
