The Board met on April 10 and 11 to adopt rules for the graduation requirements emergency waiver, continue developing its 2024-2028 strategic plan, review legislative outcomes and interim plans, approve additional private schools, and approve the charter schools annual report.  

Find the agenda, supporting materials, and links to TVW’s video footage of the meeting on SBE’s meeting site. 

Highlights:  

Graduation Requirements Emergency Waiver – The Board adopted final rules for the graduation requirements emergency waiver (GREW). The rules modify the emergency waiver for students graduating in the 2023-2024 school year by allowing a district to waive the graduation pathway requirement, based on individual student circumstances, provided that the district has not also waived a core course requirement in the same subject for that student. The final rules reflect a minor change from the proposed rules to increase clarity consistent with the original intent of the Board.  

For more information, see the blog post, GREW webpage, FAQ, and graphic summary. 

Note: This is the last school year when graduating students may be granted emergency waivers due to COVID-19 disruptions. This emergency waiver program will not be available in the 2024-25 school year.  

Graduation Requirements Overview and History – SBE staff reviewed the history of graduation requirements over the past two decades. This overview provided background and context to inform the Board's strategic planning. 

Strategic Planning – The Board reviewed its draft strategic plan, discussed potential minor revisions, and participated in a brainstorming session to identify potential metrics to measure the Board's progress on implementing the strategic plan initiatives. The Board is expected to finalize and adopt the strategic plan at the June 2024 board meeting. 

Community Listening Session – Board members and staff connected with community members from the greater Tacoma area as part of a listening session hosted by the Foundation for Tacoma Students. The conversation centered on how the High School and Beyond Plan helps students get ready for life after graduation, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement from a community perspective.  
Legislative Session Recap & Interim Planning – Staff provided an overview of legislation passed in the 2024 session, with a focus on bills and budgetary items that align with the Board’s legislative priorities, strategic plan, and/or areas of authority. In addition, the Board discussed plans for the interim and potential concepts to be developed into legislative proposals. 

Update on Required Action Districts – Staff from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction provided an update on the progress of Required Action Districts. The Board approved OSPI’s recommendation to release four schools and districts for RAD, and continue three schools and districts at level 1 RAD.   

Private Schools – The Board approved nine additional private schools for the 2023-24 school year.   

Charter Schools Report – Board members approved the 7th Annual Charter Schools Report for submission to the Legislature. 

Upcoming Board Meeting 

The next meeting is scheduled for June 25-27 in Spokane. The agenda and materials will be posted one week before the meeting.