| On October 11 and 12, the Washington State Board of Education came together to discuss school recognition, the Board’s legislative platform, proposed rules on graduation pathways, and the strategic plan (outlining Board work moving forward through 2028). It was the final in-person meeting for member and Eastern Washington representative, MJ Bolt. Chair Bill Kallappa and members honored her with memories and a native blanket ceremony as a tribute to her last eight years on the Board (photo: MJ with her new blanket, and SBE’s Instagram mascot, Snorkels). Find the agenda, supporting materials, and links to TVW’s video footage of the meeting on SBE’s meeting site. Highlights: Approval of Private Schools and Updates to Rules – The Board fully approved seven schools, provisionally approved four schools, and extended provisional approval for six schools that were granted provisional approval in June. The Board also approved proposed revised rules to implement recent legislation, Senate Bill 5515, concerning residential private schools, and Senate Bill 5315, concerning schools authorized to provide special education services. In addition, the proposed rules clarify definitions concerning teacher certification requirements and administrative procedures. A hearing will be held in January 2024, and the Board will consider adoption of final rules at the February 2024 Board meeting. Basic Education Certification – Three hundred and nineteen school districts and local education agencies (LEAs) were certified for offering the program of basic education.
Legislative Priorities – The Board approved its 2024 legislative platform. The platform includes long-standing Board priorities (educational equity, funding, and special education), carry-over priorities from last year’s platform, and emerging priorities from the Board’s engagement with students and communities. |
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Upcoming Board Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for December 7 online. The Board has shifted its meetings calendar to come together on even months of the year. The agenda and materials will be posted one week in advance of the meeting on SBE’s meetings page.
