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
School Missing Student Procedures Involving ASD
Children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) more frequently attempt to leave an assigned area without consent. Engaging in this "elopement behavior" puts a substantial number of kids at risk for bodily harm every year. Many schools have spoken out about the need...
Reykdal Asks Public to Help Develop K-12 Education Budget
Residents of Washington State have a chance to influence OSPI’s budget requests to the governor and legislature. WFIS encourages all private and independent schools to engage their community of teachers and parents to participate in a survey "that asks the public to...
Laura Moore announces retirement from OSPI
Laura Moore’s unyielding diligence, intelligent support and generous spirit will be missed by everyone who works in private education in WA State.
Private School Facilities Managers Quarterly Meeting
Andrew Rauch is the WFIS representative working with OSPI on the School Safety Advisory Committee (SSAC), and the Facilities Manager for Epiphany School. He tries to hold meetings for private school Facilities Managers every quarter, though finding a host site for...
Early Learning Advisory Council – April 3 Meeting
Early Learning Advisory Council Representative, Chelle Downey Magee, attended this first “in-person” ELAC meeting of the calendar year and reports that is was well-attended with an agenda that was quite full! Read her summary report below: Negotiated Rule...
Teaching Certificate Renewals adding STEM
Starting September 1, 2019 all P/K-8 elementary teachers, 4-12 secondary STEM, and CTE teachers are required to complete 15 OSPI-approved Integrated STEM clock hours. Renewal applications for residency, professional, and continuing teacher and CTE certificates must...
Congress Approves Consolidated Appropriations Act
CAPE News Congress has approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, a measure that funds government programs through September 2018. The Senate voted early this morning, and the House yesterday. The following table provides funding...
WFIS meets with US Dept. of Ed to discuss Secretary DeVos’ education priorities
WFIS leader, Suzie Hanson, meets with US Dept. of Education to discuss Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos’ education priorities. Washington private schools are well aware of the President’s budget cut of Title IIA funds. When WFIS asked...
DOH releases WA State Health Assessment
Today John Wiesman, WA State Secretary of Health shared the release of the draft version of the Washington State Health Assessment, and an invitation to provide feedback on the expansive report during the public comment period, January 2–23. In particular, schools...
State Board of Education announces new Executive Director
The State Board of Education (SBE) selected Dr. Randy Spaulding as their new Executive Director. Dr. Spaulding will begin as SBE's Executive Director on January 8, 2018. Prior to his selection, Dr. Spaulding worked for the Washington Student Achievement Council as the...
About our work
WFIS representatives work with State Agencies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The Department of Early Learning (DEL), The Department of Health and others to advocate for the particular needs of private schools.
WFIS representatives at OSPI, DEL and on the State Board of Education communicate regularly with WFIS to help guide and change policy to reflect private school needs.
WFIS works directly with the executive directors of the accreditation organizations in Washington to protect the integrity of accreditation and our schools. We call these leaders “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, as well as reading and contributing to legislation to be sure private schools are considered when law is crafted and when it is passed.