Meet the Board

Gretchen Maliska has been a dedicated community leader in education and an engaged parent in North Thurston Public Schools since 2006.

Gretchen has spent decades advocating for strong, inclusive K–12 systems that prepare students for both college and career. Her perspective as a parent and educator has evolved alongside her children and community, giving her firsthand insight into the full K–12 journey and the transition to postsecondary education and adulthood.

Professionally, Gretchen leads partnerships and programs that help students discover career interests and graduate with industry-recognized credentials that align with Career & Technical Education. She firmly believes there is a graduation pathway for every student and is proud to support K–12 systems that value multiple definitions of success.

Gretchen is committed to the success of all students in North Thurston Public Schools and understands that strong partnerships among families, staff, and district leadership are essential to achieving that goal.

“Our community is rich in diversity—of perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences,” said Gretchen. “I believe our responsibility is to listen, learn from one another, and work collaboratively, so students remain at the center of every decision. It is a privilege to serve alongside leaders and educators who are deeply committed to this community. Every child deserves to feel included, supported, and prepared for their future in North Thurston Public Schools.”

Contact: gmaliska@ntps.org

District 1 Map

Board term expires November 2027

District 2 Map

Sarah Tracy is a longtime volunteer, including serving on the board of directors of Olympia Community School, as a volunteer and PTA president at Olympic View Elementary, and on the family advisory board at Salish Middle School. She also volunteered for local youth soccer clubs for many years. Tracy is a graduate of Timberline High School, and her two children graduated from River Ridge High School.

“I love our district, and I’m really proud of it,” Tracy said. “I have been connected to this district since I was in kindergarten! Being involved in the schools is a part of who I am. I want to work to ensure success for all our students, helping them become successful and contributing members of our community. My job is to listen and advocate.”

Tracy’s focus includes ensuring students feel engaged and welcome in our schools. 

“Even though we have a large district, we strive for students and families to feel that sense of community,” she said. “Being involved in extracurricular activities, whether sports, music, or clubs, is incredibly important in developing a well-rounded student and helping them want to be at school.”

Tracy also wants to ensure students have varying educational pathways, including choice schools and different ways to demonstrate competencies while still having a rigorous academic experience.

Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Washington, and a graduate certificate from the Parenting Coaching Institute at Seattle Pacific University. 

Contact: stracy@ntps.org

District 3 Map

Board term expires November 2025

Espie Badillo-Diiorio has volunteered in North Thurston Public Schools for more than 20 years and is a strong advocate for ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.

A proud Mexican-American, Espie believes inclusivity and equity are essential in our schools. A primary focus for Espie is ensuring high-quality special education services and helping parents be strong advocates for their children. She also feels passionate about amplifying student voices to be part of district decision-making.

Espie is a healthcare aide for a local senior home care company. She has served in leadership roles in various volunteer capacities, including the Horizons Elementary and Komachin Middle School PTA's and the Timberline High School Booster Club. She serves on the Lacey Loves to Read committee and has previously served on the NTPS Parent Advisory Committee and the Facility Advisory Committee. She helped start the beloved NTPS Battle of the Books competition.

A graduate of Yelm High School, Espie and her husband have five children and one grandchild. She believes her parents paved the way for her by being active community members. Her father ran for school board, which inspired Espie to give back as an NTPS School Board member.

Contact: ebadillodiiorio@ntps.org

District 4 Map

Board term expires November 2027

Michelle Gipson is always seeking ways to make our community better and believes all children can learn and thrive in a changing world.

She has lived in the NTPS community for 25 years, and has raised five children, all of whom attended NTPS schools. She now has two grandchildren in the district.

“I love being in this community,” she said. “What happens to our kids—their future—is important.”

As a Board member, Michelle wants to ensure students see diverse leadership in their school district, so they can see the possibilities for themselves. She is also focused on ensuring the community and schools support the emotional well-being of all children.

A lifelong learner, Michelle studied business and accounting at University of Washington-Tacoma and earned her master’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix.

Michelle has worked at the YMCA of Thurston County for more than a decade, starting with teaching group exercise classes and working her way up to senior director of branch operations. She serves as vice president on the board of the PARC Foundation of Thurston County, on the Lacey Rotary. She has also volunteered for the Thurston County Food Bank, the Washington State Employees Credit Union Scholarship Committee, the City of Olympia Equity Focus Group, CIELO, New Life Baptist Church, and many other service opportunities.

Contact: mgipson@ntps.org

District 5 Map

Board term expires November 2027

As part of our Strategic Plan to provide more opportunities for student voice, the district is proud to have student advisors (1 per high school [5 in total] 2 or 3 student advisors per semester) serve as non-voting members of our School Board!

Students are selected by their high school principal and receive an orientation session provided by the superintendent (or designee) and a member of the Board of Directors. Their responsibilities include adherence to personal standards of behavior and regular school attendance, regular attendance at Board meetings, studying Board materials in advance, and providing student perspective on current issues when requested by the Board. Student Advisors are also asked to speak to selected topics at the conclusion of Board meetings, during the agenda section “Items from the Student Advisors.”

Qualifications: The student must be entering their junior or senior year at the time of selection and in good academic standing, and maintain good academic standing throughout their term. Selected students should also have a history of leadership and involvement in extracurricular and civic activities. 

Colten Bowman, Envision Career Academy

Colten currently attends Envision Career Academy and previously attended Nisqually Middle School and Seven Oaks Elementary. His favorite subject is auto mechanics. In his spare time, he enjoys working at the school bus barn and pursuing interests such as landscaping, working on cars, and hanging out with friends. He plans to be a diesel mechanic after graduation.

Henry Bui, North Thurston High School

Henry currently attends North Thurston High School and previously attended Chinook Middle School and Pleasant Glade Elementary. His favorite subjects are leadership and marketing, and he is an active member of DECA, FBLS, Key Club, AAPI ASB, and the wrestling and cross-country teams. In his spare time, he enjoys time with friends, being outside at a lake or beach, playing beach volleyball, and listening to music. He plans to attend a 4-year university and eventually start his own business.

America Russell, Summit Virtual Academy

America currently attends Summit Virtual Academy and previously attended Chinook Middle School and Mountain View Elementary. Her favorite subject is art history. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, socializing, music, driving, and baking, and plans to attend South Puget Sound Community College's baking & culinary program.