Risa Hess

The meeting of the MIC3 WA State Council covered topics such as the goal of the compact to remove barriers for students of uniformed military families, focus areas including educational records and special education, and issues related to staffing shortages and funding. Discussions included proposed technical fixes to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, potential amendments to include children of National Guard and Reserve members, and challenges related to residency and funding models for school districts.

The meeting included discussions on the CTE funding model, the hierarchy of programs, and the transition to kindergarten program. It also covered reporting the minimum fund balance policy, DOH L2R FMV for donated supplies, capping federal indirect rates, and the state recovery rate. Additional topics included costs to move and store equipment, capitalization thresholds for leases and SBITAs, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, and the E-Rate federal program, along with new accounting codes.

The School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisory Committee meeting addressed several key areas, including a review and consultation on School Resource Officers (SROs), and updates on behavioral health initiatives. The meeting covered topics such as suicide prevention, behavioral health curriculum, screening and assessment tools, and school-based Medicaid programs. The committee also discussed preparation for the June 11 SS-SWAC meeting and School Safety Summit, focusing on establishing a plan to fund school safety and addressing policy and funding barriers. Updates were provided on COVID-19 and related resources, as well as legislative updates concerning budget allocations for suicide prevention, behavioral health, and support for homeless students. The committee also discussed sex education for K-12 and its integration with social-emotional learning (SEL).

This State Plan outlines Washington's strategy for utilizing the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund to address the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and schools. Key priorities include safely reopening and sustaining school operations through robust prevention and mitigation strategies, and comprehensively addressing students' academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, with a particular focus on disproportionately impacted and underserved student groups. The plan details the implementation of evidence-based interventions for lost instructional time, summer learning, and afterschool programs, alongside efforts to support and stabilize the educator workforce by addressing shortages and promoting diversity. It also emphasizes rigorous monitoring, data collection, and fiscal oversight to ensure equitable and effective use of funds for long-term educational recovery and systemic improvement.

The WSNAEAC Advisement Session with Superintendent Reykdal covered several key topics, including OSPI budget priorities, accountability, the Centennial Accord, and White House Summit recommendations. The budget discussion focused on supporting AIAN learners and educators through initiatives like funding for students with disabilities, dual language programs, and transportation. Accountability discussions centered on school recovery, expenditure of ESSER dollars, and the consultation process. The Centennial Accord addressed priorities from tribal leaders, such as dual language support. The White House Summit recommendations included early learning, special needs, and STECs, with a focus on tribal inclusion in policy development.