In Partnership – Working Across the System
This 2026 legislative session highlighted the value of consistent, relationship-based engagement with policymakers. During our advocacy day in Olympia, WFIS Board members participated in 21 meetings with legislators from both parties—sharing perspectives, listening to concerns, and building understanding around the role private schools play in communities across the state.
Representing a wide range of school types, board members worked in small groups to highlight shared priorities, including student access, school safety, and thoughtful policy design. These conversations led to several invitations for legislators to visit schools in their districts—an important step in strengthening connection and awareness.
WFIS continues to collaborate with other states and within Washington through coalitions and partnerships, particularly around emerging opportunities like the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that policies are informed, inclusive, and responsive to the full educational landscape.
WFIS is committed to supporting school leaders while contributing to a strong, collaborative educational landscape that serves all students across Washington.
What Happened & Why It Matters
What passed
- The early learning Workforce Standards Board bill, HB 1128, written and actively supported by the union SEIU 925, passed despite significant advocacy and coordinated stakeholder engagement against the bill, with notable concerns raised by hundreds across the early learning sector. The bill includes language clarifying that private school teachers are not subject to the board’s standards.
- The Retail Sales Tax legislation, ESSB 6113, was amended to include key provisions to protect private schools. The bill, as written, still taxes some teacher education. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.
- PreK Licensing, EHB 2317, clarifies licensing for early childcare programs and removes licensing requirements for all ECEAP 4-year-old programs in school settings, creating parity with public school regulations. The Governor signed this into law on March 14.
- School Safety ESB 5272 strengthens protections against threats and intimidation in public and private schools, including those involving school athletic officials.
- ESSB 5998 maintains the proviso that prevents the State Board of Health from enacting updated school facility rules for the past decade. However, the new language allows the Department of Health and the Board to start rulemaking for Phase 1. Phase I would not take effect until late 2027 or early 2028. No new or amended rules for Phases 2 and 3 can be enacted until final rules and cost estimates are submitted to the legislature and officially funded. The budget also directs the state to develop implementation models and, as resources permit, to provide free radon testing to schools.
What stalled
- SB 5828, which fully funded the Washington College Grant for students attending private four-year colleges. Though it passed the House, it never made it through the Senate Rules. This means about 7,000 Washington students who receive state aid to attend private universities and colleges will see their financial aid cut by nearly a third. This budget cut was imposed by the Legislature last year to prioritize paying faculty and staff at state schools; little consolation to all the students who will now be short on their tuition.
- Anaphylaxis Response SSB 5240, which was amended to include WFIS’s policy changes, ran out of time and did not pass.
What to watch
- AI & Student Policy (SB 5956): Addresses emerging issues related to artificial intelligence, discipline, and surveillance in public schools. No doubt the legislature will continue these thoughtful discussions.
- The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: A multi-state effort underway to encourage governors to opt in ahead of the January 2027 launch.
- Governor Ferguson has 20 days, excluding Sundays, to sign, veto, or take no action on a bill after it reaches his desk. That means April 4 is the deadline.
