Agencies and Committees
WFIS represents the interests of private schools on agency boards and working groups and serves as the official liaison organization for independent schools with OSPI and the Department of Early Learning.WFIS Agency and Committee News
OSPI Weapons Reporting Portal now open for Private Schools
Private schools must submit 2024–25 weapons data via the Attendance and Weapons (Private User) application in EDS. Follow these steps: Log in to EDS and open Attendance and Weapons (Private User). Select your school, then click “Certification” at the top of the page....
Benton Franklin Health District quarterly meeting
School Environmental Health & Safety Program Updates This year, the inspection of the CTE and Art Classrooms took place. Next year (2025-2026), the focus will be on indoor air quality in primary schools. Inspections will transition to full building inspections on...
ALERT – Recalled Playworld Structure
There is a recall notice for the Playworld Structure—Unity Teeter Tunnels with Lexan Tops—in May 2025 due to the risk of serious injury and a crush hazard. Unity Teeter Tunnels with Lexan Tops Hazard: If a child accidentally falls underneath the Unity Teeter Tunnel,...
Final Diabetes in School Health (DiSH) session of 2024-25
As routines shift with the summer season, it's important to ensure students with diabetes stay safe and supported. Highlights from the Navigating Challenges & Supporting Families for a Safer Summer session in May covered: Heat and Insulin Safety Keep insulin cool...
Prepare Now for Summer Heat and Wildfire Smoke Risks
With higher-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall expected this summer, the risk of extreme heat and wildfires is elevated. Here are key steps schools and child care programs can take to prepare: 1. Monitor Air Quality and Heat Forecasts Check daily...
OSPI Safety Summit & SS-SWAC Meeting – Key Takeaways
This week, WFIS attended the 10th annual OSPI School Safety Summit, hosted by Brianna Kelly, Assistant Director of Restorative Practices and Student Discipline. The summit included updates from the School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisory Committee (SS-SWAC) and...
Immunization & Schools: Balancing Public Health and Community Trust
Communicable diseases like pertussis and measles continue to rise across the country, including confirmed cases in Washington. While perspectives on vaccination vary, schools across all sectors share a common responsibility and desire to keep their learning...
WIAA Updates: New Sport Sanctioned and Transfer Eligibility Changes
This spring, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) made several notable updates to student athletics in Washington’s K–12 schools. For the first time since 1999, the WIAA sanctioned a new sport: girls’ flag football. The approval opens the door...
Updated WA Standing Order Expands School Use of Stock Epinephrine
Washington State’s revised standing order now allows schools to maintain and administer stock epinephrine—including auto-injectors and intranasal options—for individuals 4 years and older experiencing anaphylaxis on school property, buses, field trips, and during...
School Rules Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The Washington State Board of Health sets statewide health rules, regulations, and policies that apply to schools. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), with strategic support by SBOH leaders, engaged in a lengthy and thorough rewrite process of the Environmental...
About our work
WFIS representatives work with State Agencies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), The Department of Health (DOH), and others to advocate for the particular needs of private schools.
WFIS representatives communicate regularly with WFIS leadership and member schools so that dialogue includes the needs of private schools.
WFIS works directly with the executive directors of the accreditation organizations in Washington to protect the integrity of accreditation and our schools. We refer to these leaders as “Constituency Leaders” and rely on their in-depth understanding of their schools to guide WFIS’ policy decisions.
WFIS is in Olympia during the legislative session, building relationships with Legislators and their staff, collaborating with lobbying organizations with similar goals, and reading and contributing to legislation to ensure private schools are considered when law is crafted and passed.