2025-2026 Legislative Priorities

The Ephrata School District is committed to advocating for legislative action aligned with priorities that reflect the values of our community, protect opportunities for students and strengthen the ability of local schools to meet student needs.The Ephrata School District serves the students, families and community of Ephrata, Wash. with a commitment to educational excellence, transparency and local stewardship. Our district's vision centers on supporting KIDS and their LEARNING, grounded in a belief that students are extraordinary and capable of changing the world when supported through effective instruction, safe environments and meaningful relationships.

We recognize that the policies and regulations established at the state and federal levels - including Washington state law, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) guidelines and Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy - directly impact our schools. We are committed to following these laws and policies with fidelity, while also ensuring they are implemented in a way that best serves our students and community. We also believe it is our responsibility to set legislative priorities that reflect our community's values and support our mission of continuous improvement. 

The following legislative priorities were adopted by the Ephrata School District Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 school year and legislative session. These five priorities represent the areas of most pressing concern and opportunity, based on current law and the realities facing our district:

Priority 1: Fairness and Advocacy for Female Athletes

Priority 2: Need to Increase Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOC) Funding

Priority 3: Importance of Local Control

Priority 4: Preserving Parent Rights and Transparency

Priority 5: Opposing Unfunded Mandates