SBE Accepting Applications for New Student Board Member
The Washington State Board of Education is seeking a current high school sophomore eager to make a difference in the state’s education system by serving as the Board's Student Representative for the 2025–2027 term. Interested students can visit sbe.wa.gov/StudentRep to learn more about this opportunity and access the application.
Eligibility:
- Must reside and attend school in Washington State.
- Current sophomore during the 2024-25 school year.
- Passionate about improving education and ready to dedicate time to Board responsibilities.
Want to help get the word out? We appreciate your help sharing this exciting opportunity with students. The Board has prepared a social media toolkit with messaging and graphics.
Applications are open until March 28, 2025.
Finalists will be notified by April 7, 2025.
SBE Presents to Senate Committee on Mastery-based Learning
Brooke Brown, a member of the State Board, and Alissa Muller, the Board's Director of Policy, gave an update on the state's Mastery-based Learning Collaborative to the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee during a work session on Friday, December 13.
During the presentation, Brooke Brown shared some powerful insights on the important role culturally responsive-sustaining education plays in mastery-based learning.
2024 System Health Report Approval
The Board approved its 2024 Statewide Indicators of Education System Health Report and Recommendations during its December Board meeting.
Every two years the Board is required by law to review the performance of the public education system and make recommendations for improvement to the state Legislature and Governor. This is the seventh report prepared by the Board. The Board engages in this work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure all partners in the educational governance landscape are sharing common strategies and working toward common goals.
Welcoming Jen Chong Jewell to the State Board
The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) is pleased to announce the election of Jen Chong Jewell as its newest member. A dedicated community advocate with a strong background in public service, Jen was elected to serve as the Board’s Western Washington Position 4 representative following a runoff election administered by the Washington State School Directors’ Association.
Jen was chosen by local school board members from the west side of the state. Jen will officially join the Board on January 13, 2025 and be sworn in during its February 12 meeting. Her term will run through January 2029.
She currently serves as the Transition Resource Coordinator for Snohomish County where she is fostering inclusive communities that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve a full life through participation and contributions to all aspects of community life. Her leadership extends to her roles on OSPI’s Special Education Advisory Council and the Board of Directors for the Washington State Coalition for Language Access.
“I am honored to be elected as a member of the State Board of Education," Jen said. "We have amazing work to lean into, together, to ensure that every young person is Future Ready with the tools they need to thrive in our changing world. Our youth, their families, and the communities they represent have so many strengths. Together, we can make accessibility and equity a reality for every scholar."
Recognizing Out-Going Board Member Patty Wood’s Service
The Board wants to recognize the incredible contributions and legacy of Patty Wood as her term on the State Board of Education comes to a close in January 2025. Patty, who will be succeeded by Jon Chong Jewell, has been a steadfast advocate for students and education throughout her career.
Elected to the State Board in 2016 after serving over 13 years on the Kelso School Board, Patty's commitment to improving education outcomes has been unwavering. She served as Chair of both the SBE Legislative and Equity Committees and spent three years on the Board’s Executive Committee. Her tireless dedication to advancing state education policy has left a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with her.