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 Contractors for EANS Direct Services
WFIS will be providing school leaders with opportunities to engage each of the three contracted EANS service providers. Schools interested in utilizing these services, must ensure the details are outlined in your EANS application and reflected in the budget.
Congratulations to two private school teachers on their college board appointments
WFIS is honored that Kimberly Grycel and Ester Seidl will be contributing board members on these two essential teaching degree programs in the State of Washignton.
FCC Approves Emergency Connectivity Fund
The $7.1 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECFP) passed as part of the latest COVID relief bill will be available for schools to purchase laptops, tablets, hotspots, and other forms of connectivity for students and teachers. Within the next two months, the FCC will open an initial 45-day application window allowing schools to seek funding for future purchases of approved services and devices.
What a Celebration! YAY for Fair Start for Kids!
WFIS joined more than 200 other community advocates, childcare centers, moms & families in celebrating the signing of the Fair Start for Kids Act this morning of Friday, May 7. It was an amazing gathering with SO many people who have fought so hard for many years.
Gov Inslee announces 2 week pause on phases
Today the Governor held a press conference to announce that no county will move back — or forward — in the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan for at least two weeks. Pausing the Healthy Washington plan means all 39 counties can remain in their current phases, and all...
OSPI monthly meeting with WFIS
WFIS shared several questions from our private school leaders’ meetings with OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal at our monthly meeting. Since the COVID crisis erupted, the opportunity for a monthly check-in has provided private schools and the state agency with greater understanding and means of collaboration.
WA Care & Youth Development Recovery Workgroup
WFIS attended today’s Washington Care and Youth Development Recovery Workgroup to gain a high-level overview of details to result from the Fair Start For Kids Act passage, the $391M in stabilization grants, and implementation of DCYF’s virtual licensing visits.
May 19 NEW deadline for Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS)
OSPI Chief Financial Officer, T.J. Kelly, emailed all 223 schools last Friday afternoon with the extended deadline date announcement. Responses to the recorded EANS Q&A webinar and WFIS follow-up list are still be worked on by OSPI staff. Details will be posted to...
WA State COVID-19 immunity increasing, but not enough to slow transmission
Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19. Statewide case counts and hospital admissions are increasing. Case rates are increasing across all ages, except people 70 and older. Cases associated with stronger variants are increasing. Population immunity is helping control transmission, but isn’t enough to counteract risky behavior.
Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) spring meeting
The Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) is made up of representatives from each private school affiliate group. This committee is responsible for making comment on graduation requirements, teacher certification changes, clock hour provider changes, accreditation, and many other topics.
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 “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 ensure private schools are considered when law is crafted and when it is passed.