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
Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS) webinar series
For schools with covered building space over 20,000 sq feet The first Clean Buildings Performance Standards webinar of the year will be on January 23, focusing on available exemptions and the application process. Whether you're already working through compliance...
School Environmental Health & Safety Rules: Public comment period is now open
The WA State Board of Health has released its DRAFT health and safety rules and is seeking feedback from private schools. For easier review, the first section outlines the new rules—some for new construction and others for all schools. The second section (after page...
U.S. Supreme Court considering E-Rate Funding Mechanism
Schools participating in the E-rate program should know that the U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider the constitutionality of the funding mechanism by which schools and other entities receive discounts on their telecommunication expenses. More information may be...
Clean Buildings conversation for K12 private schools
WFIS wants to gather your questions, concerns, thoughts, and realities about the Clean Buildings program and the various support offered by the Dept of Commerce and utility companies. WFIS will host a conversation with Jeff Rasmussen, Outreach & Education Program...
2025 Legislative Session
This week, legislators kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session with committee assembly days. These include committee hearings, caucus discussions, and other meetings. The House met on Monday and Tuesday, and the Senate met on Thursday and Friday. WFIS is in Olympia...
Clean Buildings Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program
On Thursday December 12, 2024 the Department of Commerce hosted it's final meeting on the Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program Guidebook Draft: https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/buo2jivl40z6sw68h2ksgqq8ukfxzsdx Eligible Buildings To be eligible for the Tier 2...
Clean Buildings Tier 2 Guidance Document
In October, the Department of Commerce released a new document to assist building owners in fulfilling the Clean Buildings Tier 2 compliance requirements. See CBPS 030 – Tier 2 Compliance Requirements (PDF). This document aims to: help buildings owners gain an...
Clean Buildings environmental requirements vs. safe school spaces
The Washington Clean Buildings Act introduced Clean Buildings Performance Standards, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in buildings, including schools. While resources and support are available to help building owners meet...
Facility parity for Pre-K: public and private schools
Public schools offer early learning programs without being subject to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements. This exempts them from DCYF’s costly, labor-intensive licensing processes and facility mandates, creating a significant...
Free dual credit access for all Washington students
In Washington, dual credit programs allow high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, providing a head start on college education and potentially reducing the time and cost of a college degree. While public school students have...
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