AWSP Blog

On April 22, 2021, SHB 1484 was sent to the Governor for his signature. SHB 1484 is an act relating to the statewide first responder building mapping information system, commonly referred to as the ‘school mapping system.’ By way of history, following the Columbine High School mass shooting in 1999 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, a lot of national attention focused on school safety. Within the state of Washington, two parallel sets of requirements were soon put into law. In 2002, the Legislature passed SSB 5543 (RCW28A.320.125) requiring districts and schools to develop comprehensive school safety plans. In 2003, RCW 36.28A.060 called for the development of a statewide first responder mapping system for all state and local government buildings.

Not too long ago, this School Safety blog for April was well underway. It was going to focus on two bills currently moving thru the legislature: ESHB 1214, which revises requirements around SROs and other school safety personnel, and SHB 1484 concerning the school mapping requirements. However, other issues arose and, although quite different, seemed to roll together. The issues which I am referring to are the reopening of schools, youth behavioral and mental health issues, and the reappearance of mass shootings. The links here will take you to excellent resources and various pages of the OSPI website.

In the second video of "The Five 'P's' of Inclusion" Series, this video looks at how we can connect place to our understanding of inclusion. Drawing from Indigenous worldview, this video promotes seeing inclusive classrooms as more than locations, and emphasizes the building of community, identity and belonging. To see the first video in the series, watch this video about Presuming Competence!

As we know, the Legislature considers it a matter of public safety for its schools and staff to have current safe school plans and procedures in place to maximize safety for all students and staff. Districts and schools are required to develop comprehensive all-hazard emergency operations plans (EOPs) to address prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.

Many working families with school-age children experienced an increased need for childcare during remote learning. This is especially true for essential workers. Our state depends on childcare and youth development programs so that its workforce can meet the needs of Washingtonians during these challenging times and help keep our economy afloat. The difficult decisions districts had to make about return-to-school schedules have a direct effect on local childcare and youth development programs. During COVID 19, childcare and youth development programs across the state adapted to accommodate children who would typically be in school in person. They changed schedules, purchased special equipment for remote learning, and took on new health and safety practices to support students and families amid a pandemic.