The Technical Advisory Committee has completed its work on revising the Washington State Department of Health’s School Environmental Health and Safety Rules. Following a presentation to legislators outlining the updated rules and a proposed three-phase implementation plan, the Board will now await confirmation of funding to support implementation.
While private schools are required to comply with the new rules, no funding has been designated to help make the necessary changes. This funding gap is one of the reasons the implementation emphasizes planning in the first two phases, with physical and facility changes scheduled for the third phase.
The phased approach is intended to give schools time to prepare, budget, and save resources before major upgrades are required. Advocates remain hopeful that a gradual rollout will allow public and private schools to plan effectively to meet the new health and safety standards.
For more information on these new rules, go to the Washington State Board of Health website
