Resources & Contact
Links & Resources
Reach Out!
The State Board of Education’s Commitment to Authentic Community Engagement
The State Board of Education is committed to engaging with students, families, and communities across the state in shaping education policy, with a special emphasis on centering the voices of those who haven’t been well served by the education system. We are moving toward a collaborative approach where policies are designed in partnership with the communities we serve. By working together in this way, we move closer to building an education system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all learners.
In this spirit, the Board strives to make sure every voice is heard—especially those that have historically been excluded or underserved. This includes students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, English language learners, students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, justice-involved students, and those in foster care. By centering the experiences of these students and confronting the barriers they face, we can build a better education system for everyone.
The Board’s efforts are aligned with Executive Order 22-04, which directs agencies to implement a Pro-Equity, Anti-Racism (PEAR) plan that addresses the historic exclusion of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other marginalized identities from the policy making process. Click here to learn more about our PEAR Plan.
Some Ways that We’re Engaging with Community
Collecting Input to Modernize Graduation Requirements
The Board has heard from educators and students that today’s graduation requirements don’t fully prepare students for a rapidly changing world and can be too rigid. Through our FutureReady initiative, we’re rethinking how students earn a high school diploma.
We’re asking for input from communities across the state to make sure the new requirements reflect what students really need to be prepared for their future. Please see our FutureReady webpage for a few ways you can get involved. You can also sign up for our FutureReady newsletter to receive updates and announcements.
Resources
Partnering with Community–based Organizations
The Board partners with community–based organizations to hear directly from those furthest from educational justice. These partnerships elevate student and family voice by supporting meaningful engagement that taps into trusted relationships and meets communities where they are. Community organizations play a vital role in convening engagement activities, gathering feedback, and offering insight into how state policies are, or are not, working for their communities.
These partnerships have helped us gather critical input on important board projects like our FutureReady initiative, the state's High School and Beyond Plan, and our annual legislative platform.
How You Can Get Involved with Our Work
We want to hear from you! As a state agency with the power to impact public education, we need the voices of students, families, and communities to make Washington education the best it can be for every student.
For Students: Share Your Voice with the Board
Are you a student passionate about education policy? The Board periodically hosts an informal student discussion group to inform our policy work. To learn more about how to get involved, please email Anna Ricks, the Board’s Tribal Liaison & Community Engagement Coordinator.
Get Email Updates
Sign up to receive updates by subscribing to our SBE Monthly Newsletter mailing list.
Give Public Comment
Public comment is welcome during Board meetings at designated times. Board meetings are a limited public forum and comments from members of the public are accepted on current agenda items or matters under the authority of the Board. If you wish to give public comment at any meeting, you may sign up at the meeting (either in-person or on Zoom) prior to the time for public comment noted on the agenda.
Written comment is accepted at sbe@k12.wa.us. If you would like to submit comment for the public record, please e-mail your comment by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the posted regular Board meeting.
Reach Out!
If you would like to connect with us about our community engagement work, please email Anna Ricks, Tribal Liaison & Community Engagement Coordinator.
