Brian Olson, 53, of Cary, is a military veteran, small business owner, wheelchair user and vice president of the West Cary Middle School PTA. Olson says he’ll bring a pragmatic, independent approach to the seat using his experience as a parent, project manager and a community college school board member in California.

Candidates running this fall for Wake County school board

Brian Olson lives in Cary and is vice president of the West Cary Middle School Parent-Teacher Association.

Here are the candidates running in this fall's Wake County school ...

Brian Olson is a small-business owner and military veteran. He has worked as a project manager.

Brian Olson - Ballotpedia

Brian is a first-time candidate for political office.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Olson’s background as an army veteran instills in him a strong sense of duty and responsibility. His military experience has equipped him with leadership skills and the resilience necessary to address critical issues facing schools today. From advocating for increased funding to improving teacher resources, his campaign is centered around making impactful changes that will resonate throughout the community.

Empowering Education: Brian Olson’s Vision for Wake County Schools

- Advocates for increased school funding.

School Facilities & Resources

The education landscape in Wake County deserves a champion. Brian Olson, a dedicated community leader and army veteran, is committed to transforming our schools for the better. As he runs for the Wake County School Board in District 9, Olson stands as a true advocate for parents and students alike, ensuring that every child in Wake County has access to quality education.

Brian’s experience as a parent informs his understanding of the needs within our educational system. He believes in active parent involvement and aims to prioritize communication between families and schools. Together, we can create a supportive environment in which every parent feels empowered to engage with their child’s education.

Advocates for access to quality education for every child in Wake County.

Supports active parent involvement and prioritizes communication between families and schools.

- Advocates for access to quality education for every child in Wake County.
- Supports active parent involvement and prioritizes communication between families and schools.

Access to Education

Advocates for improving teacher resources.

- Advocates for improving teacher resources.

Teachers

As of September 2, 2026, Brian Olson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Brian Olson

Isaac Brickman

Walter Ley

Cheryl Alexis

Tyler Swanson

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 

Member of the board that governs your county's public school system