Candy Olson

The Candidate

Candy Olson is a candidate for the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education Area 5.

Olson is a local parent of five and works as a Registered Nurse.

She is a founder of the activist group Awaken Redlands whose mission is "preserving traditional values in our city and schools." Olson regularly attends RUSD school board meetings to advocate for the removal of certain library books.

Olson is running against Valerie Taber and Carolyn Williams in Area 5. Click the map below for a detailed view of districts.

The Funding

Total Raised: $25,300

(Last updated Nov. 1, 2024)

Olson's campaign for School Board has raised $20,747 in cash donations and $4,553 in nonmonetary contributions.

• $20,747 from individual donations.
  • Of individual donations, $1,597 was made up of small donations under $100.
  • $10,000 of the individual donations came from one household in Redlands, Dr. Dale and Susan Broome.
• Awaken Redlands, a nonprofit 501 c(4), donated $4,553 in nonmonetary contributions, including:
  • Campaign literature and mailings: $1,616.85
  • Postage, delivery and messenger services: $2937.14

The Endorsements

The Survey: "In their own words"

For this section, Community Forward Redlands asked each candidate the same five questions. These are their responses. Candidates were asked to keep their responses around 100 words. Responses were edited only for grammar or spelling errors. We also made candidates aware that we will make note of any statement that includes factual inaccuracies or conjecture.

I am a mother who has had children in this district for 20 years now and has seen the significant changes over an extensive period of time.

What do you love most about Redlands?

I love that all five of my children were born in this city at the same hospital. I love the small-town feel, unique downtown shops/atmosphere, and knowing my neighbors.

How do you define the role you’re seeking as a RUSD School Board member?

Creating policy to best educate and protect the children in this district.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities as a RUSD School Board member?

Improve academics, prioritize parental involvement, maintain politically neutral classrooms.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a RUSD School Board member? 

I am a mother who has had children in this district for 20 years now and has seen the significant changes over an extensive period of time. I've seen what works and what doesn't. I'm also an RN, whose primary job is being empathetic, compassionate, and an advocate for my patients. I have always stood for those who cannot speak for themselves and advocated for their best interests. I will no doubt do the same for ALL children of RUSD, as it is in my nature and very core of my being to care for those I represent.

If elected, what is your vision for moving our community forward?

My vision is that our district dramatically improves our academic scoring and our graduates become more well prepared for college and/or trade schools. I also aim to improve family communication within RUSD by promoting parental involvement. And most important, my vision is for these precious children to be safe--protected from sexual predators and from physical threats such as gun violence or bullying on our campuses.

Campaign Information

Website: Candy Olson RUSD 5
Social media: Instagram