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Shape New School Safety Standards
Posted on 01/07/2025

Join the Conversation: Shape New School Safety Standards

Tri-Cities parents, students, educators, and community members, this is your chance to have a direct impact on the future of school safety. The Washington State Board of Health, in partnership with the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), is hosting a Listening Session to gather your input on new K-12 school environmental health and safety standards.

These new standards aim to address key areas like water quality, air quality, and playground safety—issues that directly affect the health and well-being of more than one million students across Washington’s public and private schools. Your participation will ensure that the standards reflect the priorities and needs of our community.

In-Person Listening Session

  • Date: January 13, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Pasco High School Library
    1108 N 10th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301

This event will provide an inclusive space for all voices. ASL and Spanish interpreters will be available, and children and students are welcome to attend. Plus, enjoy snacks and gift cards as a thank-you for your time, and high school students can earn community service hours by participating.

What to Expect

During the session, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Share your thoughts on school environmental health and safety issues that matter to you.
  • Learn about the proposed standards and how they could impact schools statewide.
  • Engage with experts in environmental science, political science, and law to understand the broader implications of these changes.

Can’t Attend in Person? Get Involved Online

There are plenty of ways to participate and make your voice heard:

  1. Join Online Focus Groups
    Dive deeper into specific topics like air quality, water quality, or injury prevention. Focus groups will be held in late January and early February 2025, offering a platform for detailed discussions.

  2. Attend Committee Meetings
    Stay informed by listening to discussions at the School Rule Committee Meetings from August 2024 through February 2025.

  3. Review the Draft Rules
    Download and review the proposed WAC 246-370 rule language. Compare it section by section with the existing standards to understand the changes and provide your input.

  4. Submit Your Comments
    Share your thoughts directly via the School Environmental Health and Safety Rule comment form. Feedback is open through February 9, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to influence these standards.

  5. Stay Connected
    Subscribe to the School Rule Project Interest Form for updates on upcoming focus groups, meetings and opportunities to participate.

Why Your Voice Matters

This initiative will impact the daily lives of students, teachers, and staff across Washington. By participating, you’ll help ensure that every child has access to safe, healthy learning environments.

Let’s work together to create the best possible schools for our community. Whether you attend in person or contribute online, your input is invaluable.

For more information, visit the Washington State Board of Health website or share the event with friends and family on social media. Together, we can shape a safer, healthier future for all Washington students!