The Washington State Board of Health sets statewide health rules, regulations, and policies that apply to schools. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), with strategic support by SBOH leaders, engaged in a lengthy and thorough rewrite process of the Environmental Health and Safety Rules, ensuring that all members, including WFIS, had ample opportunity to voice concerns and support throughout the rule development process.
A recurring concern from private and public schools is the state’s expectation for schools to comply with costly new regulations without any consideration of the financial and practical burden. In addition, schools are frequently faced with mandates from multiple state agencies that do not coordinate their requirements, creating an overwhelming and often conflicting landscape for compliance.
The TAC had its final meeting yesterday. SBOH will present its Final Report to the legislature by June 30, 2025. The proposed changes are on the Board’s website. The report will include sections prioritized for the greatest student health and safety benefits and a recommended implementation order. The health and safety rules will not change in the next two years. This is a long process, with the first step completed yesterday.
The TAC built strong, effective alliances among public and private schools, districts, local health jurisdictions (LHJs), and state officials. It stands out as one of the most impactful workgroups WFIS has participated in—bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders who listened to one another, identified shared priorities, and crafted unified language focused on creating safe learning environments for all students. The collaboration fostered through the TAC has established lasting support systems that will continue to benefit private schools across the state.
