On June 17, 2020, the State Board of Education held a work session to discuss the long-term impacts of COVID-19 school building closures, related disruptions to learning, and the challenges with reopening schools during the ongoing public health crisis. Board members discussed policy options to support schools in reopening and to facilitate serving students in a more equitable and effective way. The discussion helped identify the top priority policy options for staff to develop into proposals for Board consideration at the July meeting. 

Summary: Governor J. Inslee has appointed Kevin Wang, former educator and Microsoft engineer to the Washington State Board of Education.

The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) approved emergency rules Wednesday, April 8 that allow flexibility and local-approval following extensive school building closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

At a special Board Meeting April 8, the State Board of Education adopted emergency rules that allow school districts to apply for greater flexibility in awarding a diploma to high school seniors impacted by closures.

Summary: At a special Board meeting, the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) reviewed the process for creating an emergency waiver program that would give districts more flexibility in certain graduation requirements following extensive school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

At the last Board Meeting in Tacoma, Student Board Member Autymn Wilde presented about the kinds of supports students need and how she hopes her work on the Board will help students in the future. 

The House and Senate adopted these school recognition resolutions during the 2020 Legislative session: 

• School and Child Care Immunization |Washington State Department of Health
• COVID-19 | Washington State Department of Health