The Washington State Board of Education

06/08/2026

We are grateful to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for inviting us to consult with its Tribal Council about FutureReady, our initiative to modernize Washington's high school graduation requirements. We appreciated the opportunity to share our work, listen, learn, and discuss how graduation requirements can better support students across the state.

Pictured from left to right: Mary Fertakis, State Board of Education Chair; Dr. Randy Spaulding, State Board of Education Executive Director; Dr. Toron Woodridge, Toppen*sh School District Superintendent; Dr. Elese Washines, Yakama Nation Education Manager and Vice President of the Toppen*sh School District Board of Directors; and Dr. Lo**ta M. Ceja, Toppen*sh School District Indian Education Director.

06/05/2026

What do today's graduating seniors think about the future?

In this spotlight from Cascadia Daily News, students from across Whatcom and Skagit counties share their perspectives on artificial intelligence, affordability, climate change, civic engagement, and other issues shaping today's world.

The State Board of Education believes every student should graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to think critically about complex issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and participate meaningfully in their communities and our democracy.

Thank you to the students who participated in this project and to the educators, families, and community members who helped elevate their voices.

In discussions, students from Whatcom, Skagit tackled artificial intelligence, affordability and polarization

06/03/2026

We are excited to announce that Siri Mouat, a sophomore at Walla Walla High School (Walla Walla Public Schools), has been chosen as the Board's next student board member.

“Siri will be an incredible addition to our team,” said Mary Fertakis, Chair of the Washington State Board of Education. “She brings an important rural student perspective that will strengthen the conversations we are having about educational equity across Washington. Her experience in legislative advocacy and student organizing will be a valuable asset to the Board’s work, and we look forward to working with her over the next two years.”

Mouat will succeed current student board member Abby Wu, a graduating senior at Pullman High School, who will complete her term on the Board at the end of June.

Learn more here: https://sbe.wa.gov/news/2026/siri-mouat-selected-washington-state-board-educations-new-student-board-member

05/27/2026

Programs like these show what’s possible when education and industry work together to create meaningful career pathways for students.

This Everett pre-apprenticeship program, run by nonprofit Machinists Institute, is helping young people build hands-on manufacturing skills, earn industry experience, and prepare for high-demand careers after high school. It’s a strong example of the kinds of flexible, real-world learning opportunities that can help students thrive in a changing economy.

The first cohort of students is expected to graduate from the new program by the nonprofit Machinists Institute next week.

05/18/2026

We had a great time meeting with leaders of the 17 school districts in ESD 112 who were recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2025-26 school year.

Join us in sending congratulations to the following school districts:

Battle Ground School District
Camas School District
Castle Rock School District
Centerville School
Evergreen School District (Clark)
Kelso School District
Longview School District
Lyle School District
Mill A School District
Naselle-Grays River Valley School District
Ridgefield School District
Skamania School District
Vancouver School District
Wahkiakum School District
Washougal School District
White Salmon Valley School District
Woodland School District

05/08/2026

Congratulations to the 24 districts in Northwest Educational Service District 189 that were recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program this year! We had a great time presenting banners to superintendents this morning.

Please join us in congratulating the following districts:

Anacortes School District
Arlington Public Schools
Bellingham Public Schools
Burlington-Edison School District
Concrete School District
Conway School District Mt. Vernon, WA
Edmonds School District
Everett Public Schools.WA
Ferndale Schools
La Conner School District
Lake Stevens School District
Marysville School District No. 25
Meridian School District 505
Monroe School District
Mount Baker School District
Mount Vernon School District
Mukilteo School District
Nooksack Valley Schools
Oak Harbor Public Schools
Orcas Island School District
San Juan Island School District
Sedro-Woolley School District
Snohomish School District
Stanwood-Camano School District

05/06/2026

Thank you to all the schools that attended our Mastery-based Learning Collaborative 2026 Spring Gathering yesterday! Over 68 educators and school administrators came together to talk about how they're advancing culturally responsive competency-based education in Washington. We're so grateful for all the hard work they put in every day.

Extra thanks to our Living Lab schools, Avanti High School and Edgemont Junior High plus our Impact Fellows, Summit Virtual Academy, Envision Career Academy, and Lopez Island School District for sharing their expertise.

05/04/2026

Congratulations to the 379 schools across Washington recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for their work in closing opportunity gaps and supporting student growth and academic achievement during the 2024–25 school year.

This program highlights schools demonstrating strong progress in key areas of student success. This year, 16% of schools statewide received this distinction.

A full list of recognized schools, including the specific metrics they met for recognition, is available on the State Board of Education website: https://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/school-recognition

04/15/2026

What does it look like to turn community voices into a clear vision for schools?

In this article for Washington State School Directors' Association, our Board President, Mary Fertakis, shares her knowledge about how school boards can bring together data, community perspectives, and collaboration to guide decisions that support student success.

Read more:

Empowering School Directors to Champion Student Success

04/14/2026

The State Board of Education will convene virtually April 15–16 for a regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. each day and is expected to adjourn at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday’s agenda includes an update from Superintendent Chris Reykdal, review of OSPI’s proposed updates to K–12 English Language Arts standards, and continued discussion about FutureReady, the Board’s initiative to modernize graduation requirements.

Thursday will include discussion of the Board's 2027 legislative advocacy goals, presentations on supports for students with disabilities in meeting graduation requirements, and review of the Board's draft Centennial Accord Plan for Tribal Consultation.

View the meeting agenda and register here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030949&MID=1860