Shirley for Bend-La Pine School Board

Zone 4

"I am committed to ensuring students perform at their highest potential, graduate with the skills and knowledge they need, and become productive, contributing members of their communities."

- Shirley Olson

Commitment to Student Success & Equity

  • Advocate for continued focus on equity and inclusion, ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and resources.

  • Support policies that prioritize student voice, such as the Student Voice Council, to ensure students are actively involved in decision-making processes.

  • Push for the implementation of the new Strategic Plan to achieve measurable goals for student achievement and close opportunity gaps.

Modernizing Facilities & Expanding Opportunities

  • Champion the ongoing facilities updates funded by the Bond Measure, including safety improvements and the renovation of Bend Senior High School.

  • Promote the growth of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to provide students with real-world skills and career exploration opportunities.

  • Support the addition of modern schools like Caldera High School to accommodate growing student populations and enhance educational offerings.

Strengthening Staff and Curriculum Excellence

  • Ensure fair and competitive contracts for teachers and staff to retain high-quality educators and support staff.

  • Advocate for ongoing professional development and the adoption of updated curriculum programs in Reading, Language Arts, and Math to maintain academic excellence.

  • Foster strong leadership by supporting clear protocols between the Superintendent and the Board, ensuring sustainable and effective district governance.

“Dr. Shirley Olson has been a model educational administrator for over 50 years, serving public school districts in Oregon, New York and California. She has provided exceptional leadership at the local and state levels, with her involvement in educational organizations in the states where she has lived. She has always been an advocate for student learning, special programs, and support for programs that address special needs for underserved students. 

Oregon is lucky to have Shirley back! Her commitment to student success and providing resources for that goal is founded in her passion for excellence for ALL! As a school board member, Shirley can be recognized for her commitment to her district schools and all that they need to ensure student success. 

As a former State Board member and retired school superintendent, I am impressed with Dr. Olson’s commitment to improving education outcomes for all students!”

- George Russell,
Eugene School District Superintendent,
Oregon State Board of Education 2015-2023