Legislative and Policy Advocacy

We work with legislators and policy makers to ensure that legislation in Olympia affecting schools and education is crafted with the particular needs of private and independent schools in mind.

WFIS Legislative and Policy Updates


 

EpiPens4Schools program change

For schools stocking epinephrine EpiPens4Schools has adjusted its system to allow Washington schools to receive autoinjectors directly when placing orders. The Epinephrine Standing Order FAQs have been updated with this information: All epinephrine should be picked up...

WFIS strengthens relationships with Spokane Education Leaders

This week, WFIS visited Spokane to attend the Association of Washington Business Legislator's reception, connect with early learning and K12 advocates, and watch the OSPI and Gubernatorial debates live. We also prioritized connecting with local private schools and...

Teach with TVW – resources & teaching tools

Election Integrity: The Security of Washington's Elections Do your students have questions about Washington's election process? Click HERE to learn how your students can submit questions for Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs, this September for an upcoming episode of...

Digital Equity Competitive Grant open to non-profits

$1 billion available to eligible organizations The National Telecommunications Industry Association (NTIA) announced a nearly $1 billion Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Who is eligible Non-profits** Local educational...

Resources & Support with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard

The Clean Buildings Performance Standard is a Washington State law that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. The law is being implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce. All commercial buildings of 20,000 SF and...

Wildfires and Extreme Heat

Many private schools run summer schools and camps. Your summer team can look at several websites that show the risk levels, including: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ (interactive map/blog) Washington Air Quality Map WA Children & Youth Activities Guide for Air...

Private School Weapons Reporting portal now open

State law (RCW 28A.320.130) requires each approved private school to report to OSPI by entering into the Education Data System (EDS). **Schools cannot submit data until after the last day of school.** A private school’s data collection is not complete until it has...

Constituency Leaders Spring Meeting

WFIS hosted the spring Constituency Leaders meeting this week to garner input on topics affecting private schools supported by the various accreditation organizations in WA state. Topics discussed included: Exempt vs. nonexempt staff, salary thresholds, and the impact...

About Our Work


 

WFIS is the only statewide forum for Washington’s nonpublic school community. We participate in all levels of collective educational dialogs to ensure our schools’ input and perspective are utilized in educational policy agenda while advocating for private school student access to all programs that enhance our state’s education quality.  In addition, we seek resolution in cases where local policy application may result in double standards or inequities.

 

FEDERAL
WFIS will work to seamlessly apply the new ESSA policies and programs, including strengthened provisions for private school student inclusion in all districts within the state. Our organization also supports legislative efforts nationwide to provide school choice to all children.
 
 
 
STATE     
WFIS ensures that private schools are included in state educational programs that benefit students while guarding against the infringement of government-mandated policy.
 
 
 
LOCAL
WFIS hosts and participates in events and community engagement opportunities at the local level, fostering collaboration amongst schools, students, and the greater community.