Missoula, MT – Students at Roundup High School and Junior High School staged a walkout on Tuesday morning in response to the resignation of their history teacher and cheerleading coach, Jessica Olinger. The protest, organized by several students, was sparked by concerns surrounding Olinger’s departure, which they believe was influenced by her questioning of the handling of funds from a recent cheerleading fundraiser.
The resignation came to light the night before during a Roundup Public School Board meeting. At the meeting, students, teachers, and community members voiced their concerns, with many expressing disbelief over Olinger’s departure. School officials confirmed that Olinger submitted her resignation on March 10, 2025, but declined to provide specific reasons for her decision.
Kaden Blakenship, a senior at Roundup High School and one of the walkout’s organizers, explained the frustration felt by students: “It was everybody. It was everybody a part of the community,” he said, referring to the strong support Olinger had garnered. “Honestly, this is our education that’s being played with, and we just don’t appreciate it. We as students, we have a voice, and to be honest, it’s been a long time since we’ve used it,” said junior Sophie Kellum, emphasizing that students wanted their concerns to be heard.
The walkout began around 10:30 a.m. when students left the school grounds and gathered at a nearby park for a small protest. There, they voiced their reasons for supporting Olinger, particularly the belief that she was forced to resign or face termination after raising questions about the cheerleading fundraiser. Parents and students alleged that Olinger had inquired about the allocation of the funds, which they claim could have been used to purchase new uniforms for the cheerleading team. “They have well over enough money in their bank to get new uniforms, and they denied that with no reasoning, and then told her, ‘You basically resign, or we’re going to fire you,’” said parent Ashley Klug.
Olinger’s resignation has left a significant void in the school community, and many students expressed their disappointment. “She put in the thought and effort into teaching us,” said eighth-grade student Brianna Bruner. “She makes learning fun,” added her classmate Nevaeh Heuman.
In a statement sent to MTN News, Roundup Public Schools Superintendent Josiah Mayfield confirmed Olinger’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons behind her decision. He stated that the search for a new cheerleading coach was already underway. “We are actively looking for a head cheer coach based on the resignation,” Mayfield said.
Students involved in the walkout expressed concerns that they might face disciplinary actions for their protest. However, Mayfield reassured the public that no punishments would be imposed on those who participated.
While the details surrounding Olinger’s resignation remain unclear, the walkout served as a clear indication of the impact she had on her students. Her dedication to teaching and coaching, as well as her strong relationships with her students, were key points of emphasis during the protest. As students continue to seek answers, the future of the cheerleading program and their educator’s legacy remains uncertain.
