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
COVID-19 Vaccinations for School Employees
The expectation is that in March all staff from all schools will have access to the vaccination.
DOH Performing Arts updated guidance for schools
The WA State Department of Health has two checklists for schools related to choir, band, theater and dance: DOH Health and Safety Measures and the L&I Employer Health and Safety Requirements for School Scenarios on which school requirements are now aligned. WFIS has outlined details from both documents….
Vaccination roll out to WA educators, public & private
Today OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced the Get Ready Plan today, for ALL public & private school employees to be supported by the B2-B4 vaccine roll-out in an efficient manner through a statewide partnership with Kaiser.
Congress Passes Aid for Private Schools
The bill is written such that a public agency will maintain control of funds in much the same way as occurs with existing equitable services programs. This should in theory insulate private schools from becoming recipients of federal financial assistance.
Joint ELAC and Parent Advisory Group virtual meetings
WFIS Representative Chelle Downey-Magee continues in her role on the Early Learning Advisory Council. Her report on the ELAC follows: The meeting October 6 began with a quick round of introductions, then moved on to updates from State/Agency Partners and...
CARES Act inclusion lacking for Private Schools
The Federal Office of Non-Public Education today alerted WFIS that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos sent a letter to Chief State School Officers regarding CARES Act equitable services. In the letter Devos states that the Dept. of Education will not be appealing...
Watch last Thursday’s Candidate Debate for OSPI Superintendent Race
On Thursday, September 17th, the Washington State Wire hosted a virtual debate between the general election candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction: Chris Reykdal and Maia Espinoza. The candidates discussed a variety of topics related to Washington’s K–12...
OSPI debate goes virtual on September 17
The Washing State Wire has announced it is hosting a virtual debate between the general election candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The 2020 OSPI General Election Debate is scheduled for Tuesday September 17th from 7-8pm and advance registration is...
Updated Immunization Guidance for K-12 Schools from WA Department of Health
Yesterday OSPI sent joint guidance from DOH and OSPI to all public school superintendents. In the guidance applicable for the 2020–21 school year and K–12 programs only, DOH and OSPI state: In light of the pandemic, if a student cannot meet the immunization...
What You Should Know About COVID-19 and EEO Laws
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, continue to apply during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission webpage was updated on June 17, 2020 outlining a lot of the questions schools have regarding employee accommodations in lieu of Covid-19. WFIS has selected a few Q&As below based on what we have heard from schools.
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.