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


 

DOH School Environmental Health & Safety Fall Workshops

DOH Workshop Day 1 Recap: The Department of Health (DOH) shared updates to Washington’s school environmental health and safety standards (WAC 246-366), guided by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings last year. A three-phase implementation plan will commence...

NEW! PEAB Members Earn Activity-Based Clock Hours

The Professional Educator Standards (PESB) has approved earning activity-based continuing education credit hours for Professional Educator Advisory Board (PEAB) members and program review teams. Individuals are eligible for the clock hours for up to seven years...

Clean Buildings Resource: Free Consultation Available

The Smart Buildings Center offers a Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) Helpdesk to assist building owners and operators* in meeting state compliance requirements. This free service is available statewide to provide technical assistance on benchmarking,...

Private School Enrollment Report Due 10/31/25 (Today)

On October 1, an email was sent to the email address on file with the state for your school leader, including a link to your school's Enrollment Report, which is also accessible on the State Board of Education Enrollment Reporting webpage. The data collected is...

Radon Testing in Schools: Lessons from Vancouver School District

As Washington prepares for expanded environmental health requirements under the updated School Environmental Health & Safety rules (WAC 246-370), radon testing is becoming a priority. Vancouver Public Schools is sharing its comprehensive approach to testing and...

Exploring Pathways to State Approval for Nature-Based Schools

WFIS is helping schools explore how to expand outdoor nature schools in Washington State. The core challenge is a limited State Board of Education (SBE) approval process. Without a building, the local health jurisdictions can't complete their inspections, and without...

Clean Buildings information and resources

Seattle City Light free support program Seattle City Light is launching a no-cost program for commercial and multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 square feet. This coaching and training program will help buildings lower their energy consumption and prepare for...

Early Education

Last week, DCYF launched the Staff Qualifications Workgroup, which will meet monthly to reach consensus on reasonable teacher qualification requirements for early learning educators. The subcommittee includes 10 early learning providers and 10 provider advocates,...

SBE Private School Enrollment Report is now open

October 1, an email was sent to school leaders with a link to the Enrollment Report. The data collected is critical for advocacy to support private schools, but also fulfills the statutory requirement for private schools to record annual attendance, as schools report...

Title I, Part A – Equitable Services Reminder

Private schools that have indicated interest in participating in Title I, Part A equitable services should expect their district to engage in timely, meaningful, and ongoing consultation throughout the year. Services must be designed to support student, parent, and...

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.