**Learn more about the Emergency Waiver Program (adopted April 8). Available after COVID-19 school building closures.

COVID-19 (also known as the Novel Coronavirus) information
Many regions around the world are experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the virus known as COVID-19. This is an evolving situation that may have significant implications for Washington communities, including schools, in the months.

For more information about:

• OSPI announcement regarding school closures for the 2019-20 school year 
• Official Washington State COVID-19 page, maintained by the state Joint Information Center, which is part of the Washington State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray
• Public and private school closures, guidance and resources for public schools: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Community guidelines, worker information, businesses, and insurance: Office of the Governor
• Testing, symptoms, general information, call center: Department of Health
• Private schools including resources and closures: Washington Federation of Independent Schools
• National guidance: Center for Disease Control
• Private schools approval: State Board of Education
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the waiver for Private Schools.

Flexibility for graduating seniors approved by State Board

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.

The new rules are effective for the Class of 2020 immediately. They allow public school districts, charter schools, and tribal compact schools approved by the Board to waive certain state graduation requirements for individual students. To be approved, districts must make a good faith effort to give students opportunities to complete credits for high school graduation. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) gave districts guidance on how to offer students these opportunities. The waiver is an extra tool districts can use to make sure students graduate after the COVID-19 school building closures.

**Learn more about the Emergency Waiver Program (adopted April 8). Available after COVID-19 school building closures.