CISWA’s legislative priorities are established on a year-over-year basis to respond to emerging needs, policy opportunities, and the lived experiences of students and families across Washington. Below is an overview of our recent legislative priorities. Each set of priorities is supported by detailed policy agendas and session-specific recommendations.
2026 Legislative Priorities
CISWA’s 2026 legislative priorities focus on addressing the root causes of inequity that prevent students from fully engaging in school and thriving academically. These priorities recognize the dual challenge of responding to urgent student needs while upholding Washington’s constitutional duty to fully fund education.
Our advocacy emphasizes reducing chronic absenteeism through integrated student supports, strengthening student and family stability by improving access to basic needs and health services, and protecting the school-community partnerships that are essential to student success. CISWA also supports balanced and progressive revenue solutions to ensure sustainable, long-term investments in education, health, and community-based supports.
2026 Focus Areas Include:
- Reduce Chronic Absenteeism through Integrated Student Supports
- Reducing Barriers to Student and Family Stability
- Protecting the K-12 Ecosystem through Community Partnerships
- Investing in Communities Through Balanced Revenue
January 2026: Session Start:
Washington’s 2026 legislative session starts January 12, 2026, and is a 60-day “short” session ending around March 12. For bill information and session documents, visit the Washington State Legislature website.
2025 Legislative Priorities
Our 2025 legislative priorities reflected the need for a comprehensive, equity-centered approach to ensuring no student goes without the support and resources they need to grow and thrive. Central to this work was the importance of flexible funding that expands partnership opportunities between schools and community-based organizations.
These priorities centered students furthest from educational justice and acknowledged the role racism and systemic inequities play in shaping educational outcomes. CISWA advocated for policies and investments that addressed immediate student needs while strengthening long-term systems of support.
2025 Focus Areas Included:
- Increasing Funding for Youth Development and Student Support Programs ($20M)
- Reducing Barriers to Student Success
- Achieving Digital Equity
- Investing in Workforce Development for Students and Support Staff
April 2025: Mid-Session Update
June 2025: End of Session Update
November 2025: Building Systems of Support: A School Leadership Conversation with CISWA
Get Involved
Creating systems that support student success requires collective action. Whether you are a policymaker, partner, educator, or community member, there are many ways to engage with CISWA’s advocacy efforts.
To get involved or learn more, contact Associate Director Erica Limón-Trefielo at erica@ciswa.org or visit www.ciswa.org/why-policy-advocacy-matter