Washington鈥檚 legislative session closed last month. Now, as the final budget takes effect and implementation begins, one thing stands out to Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo: 

This is growing recognition of what students need. 

But we are not yet matching that understanding with investment.  

鈥淭hroughout the session, we heard consistent acknowledgement that students and families are navigating real challenges, including housing instability, mental health, and basic needs,鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Erica reflects. 鈥淏ut the funding outcomes didn鈥檛 match the scale of what鈥檚 actually needed within the ecosystem of public education and community support.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

In the weeks since adjournment, the gap has become clearer. Districts and community partners are beginning to plan for next year under new budget realities, and the question of how far resources will stretch is already front and center.  

A Mixed Outcome for Student Stability

So, did this session move Washington closer to stability for students? 

鈥淚t鈥檚 a mix,鈥� Erica says. There were meaningful steps forward.  

 passed and was signed into law, codifying McKinney-Vento protection into Washington state law for students experiencing homelessness.  

As Representative Reeves, who sponsored the bill, recently noted in a , 鈥淲e鈥檙e basically just saying that if the federal government were to step back from those obligations, that the state would step up.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

鈥淥n a day-to-day level, this doesn鈥檛 change services for students,鈥� Erica explains. 鈥淏ut it does strengthen the durability of those protections. It ensures they are not dependent on federal policy shifts and creates more consistency and accountability across districts.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The importance of that durability is underscored by the scale of need. The number of students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento program in Washington has grown steadily over the past decade, reaching more than 48,000 students in recent years. Nationally, Washington is among the top 10 states with the highest rates of student homelessness. Within Communities in Schools of Washington, the need is more concentrated. Of the 6,500+ students receiving individualized supports, 10% (650+) are navigating housing instability during this same period. 

The final operating budget also included several important student-focused investments:  

1. Continued funding for the Homeless Student Stability Program 
2. Support for ninth grade success initiatives 
3. Investment in educational outcomes for students in foster care 
4. Expansion of school-based behavioral health supports 

鈥淭hese are important,鈥� Erica notes. 鈥淭hey reflect an understanding that students’ well-being and academic success are deeply connected.鈥�&苍产蝉辫; 

But the progress came alongside real setbacks. 

The legislature reduced Local Effort Assistance (LEA) enhancement funding from $250 to $150 per student, as proposed in the Governor鈥檚 budget.  

鈥淔or districts with lower property wealth, LEA is a critical tool,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淚t helps sustain staffing and student-facing support like attendance outreach, family engagement, and coordination of basic needs. Reducing its limits flexibility in systems that are already stretched thin.鈥�&苍产蝉辫; 

The budget also included cuts that raise concern across the education ecosystem, including reductions to transition to kindergarten programs, Running Start, and a six percent reduction in statewide programs administered by OSPI.  

More broadly, she adds; the system remains inconsistent. 

鈥淪tability requires consistency. Right now, too much of what supports students in still reliant on short-term or uncertain funding streams.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

What Didn鈥檛 Move and Why It Matters

This session also revealed how quickly priorities can shift under budget pressure.  

鈥淲hat surprised me most was how quickly things changed in the final weeks,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淭here were proposals with strong early momentum that simply didn鈥檛 move forward once fiscal constraints tightened.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

One of the most notable examples was , which would have created a formal framework for youth development funding.  

SB 5992 did not pass after failing to advance before the cutoff for bills in the opposite chamber. While the bill had early support, its fiscal note and the broader budget environment made it difficult to move forward in a short session.  

鈥淭he bill was designed to create structure, not just immediate funding,鈥� Erica explains. 鈥淏ut in a constrained budget year, it is harder for those types of proposals to advance.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

In the weeks since the session ended, the absence of these investments has become more visible. Without a dedicated funding structure for youth development and prevention, many supports remain fragmented and dependent on local capacity. 

鈥淲hat this highlights is the moment we鈥檙e in,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淲e are still operating in a very reactionary system. We invest in the aftermath of challenges rather than preventing them.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

At the same time, she notes an encouraging shift.  

鈥淭here is growing bipartisan recognition that students’ well-being and academic success are deeply interconnected. That understanding is there. It just hasn鈥檛 fully translated into funding decisions yet.鈥�&苍产蝉辫; 

What Students Will Actually Experience

For most students, the outcomes of this session will not feel immediate.  

鈥淭he biggest impact to the system happened in the prior year’s budget,鈥� Erica shares. 鈥淲hat students will experience now is the continuation of the system that is still uneven.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Some students will continue to benefit from targets supports.  

Others will depend on whether their school or district has the resources to provide the same support consistently.  

鈥淔or students experiencing homelessness or foster care, protections and programs remain in place, which matters,鈥� Erica adds. 鈥淏ut there are still real gaps, especially in access to integrated supports like mental health, basic needs, and case management.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

As schools and partners begin preparing for the next academic year, those gaps are becoming more visible in planning conversations and resource decisions.  

The Role of Community and Why it Matters

Throughout the session, 黑料不打烊WA worked to ensure that students experiences were reflected in policy conversations.  

鈥淲e showed up as connectors, advocates, and storytellers,鈥� Erica nodded. 鈥淥ur role is to bring what鈥檚 happening in schools and communities across the state into conversations with decision-makers.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

That includes sharing real examples of the barriers students are facing everyday: 

• Transportation Challenges 
• Lack of Access to clothing or basic supplies 
• Housing instability 

鈥淭hese aren鈥檛 abstract issues,鈥� Erica emphasized. 鈥淭hey directly impact whether a student can show up and engage in school.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

She points to site coordinators as a critical part of the equation.  

鈥淚n many cases, they are the reason a student comes to school at all. They are what make basic education possible for students navigating significant barriers.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The Work Ahead 

If Erica had to summarize this session in one sentence: Work in progress. 

鈥淲ashington has an understanding of what students need,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut we have a long road ahead to fund those needs in a way that is consistent and sustainable.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Looking ahead, key priorities include: 

1. Sustainable funding for student supports 
2. Revisiting Local Effort Assistance 
3. Building a youth development funding structure 
4. Addressing Chronic Absenteeism through both accountability and support 

At the same time, broader conversations are continuing about the state鈥檚 revenue structure, including the implementation and legal scrutiny of the state鈥檚 new wealth-based tax policies.  

A Reason for Hope

Despite the challenges, 黑料不打烊WA remains hopeful. 

鈥淲hat gives us hope is the growing recognition of the ecosystem surrounding K-12 education… There鈥檚 an understanding that these supports are not extra. They are foundational for young people,鈥� Erica says. 

This session may not have fully delivered that understanding, but it moved the conversation forward, and if we want different outcomes for students, investments need to happen earlier and more intentionally. Because ultimately, students success depends on something simple: 

Whether a student has the stability to walk into schools every day ready to learn. And that is something Washington still has the opportunity to build. 

You just read End-of-Session Recap: A Step Forward in Understanding, But Not Yet in Investment聽 on 黑料不打烊.

With the House of Origin cutoff behind us, the legislative session shifts from big policy ideas to hard decisions about what can actually move forward; and, most importantly, what will be protected or funded in the state budget.

For students across Washington, that shift matters.

鈥淭he conversation now is increasingly about stability,鈥� Erica explains. 鈥淲hether students can reliably get to school, stay enrolled, and access the wraparound supports that make learning possible.鈥�

Student needs remain high. Youth mental health challenges persist. Housing instability continues to disrupt school continuity. Chronic Absenteeism remains elevated statewide. The most consequential decisions ahead will determine whether Washington strengthens the prevention of infrastructure or allows more students to fall into crisis.

Here is where things stand.

What’s Moving Forward & What It Means聽

HB 2594: Protecting Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness

HB 2594 has moved out of its House of Origin and is now scheduled in the Senate. The bill codifies McKinney-Vento protections into Washington state law, ensuring that students experiencing homelessness retain access to critical educational protections, even if federal policy shifts. 

Students experiencing homelessness face systemic barriers every day:

• Frequent school changes due to eviction, doubling up, or shelter stays
• Transportation gaps that lead to chronic absenteeism
• Lack of hygiene supplies, school materials, or stable internet
• Delays in enrollment or inconsistent identification practices
• Stress and trauma that directly impact academic engagement

This legislation ensures that students maintain stability in their education.  

鈥淚f this bill does not move forward,“ Erica notes, “Washington would rely entirely on maintenance of federal protections. Codifying this right in state law provides long-term security.鈥�

黑料不打烊WA also advocated for clarity in statutory language to align directly with McKinney-Vento terminology and to ensure that community-based organizations can deliver services funded through related grants. This alignment strengthens implementation and ensures students receive coordinated support. 

SB 5992: Youth Development as Prevention Infrastructure

SB 5992 establishes a defined statutory framework for youth development investments 鈥� an important step towards building prevention infrastructure in Washington.  

鈥淵outh development funding is especially important right now because basic education is not enough,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淪tudents cannot fully engage in learning if their basic needs go unmet.鈥�

Community-based organizations serve as stabilizers during uncertain times. Prevention-focused interventions (mentoring, daily engagement, attendance supports, and resource coordination) reduce downstream costs tied to dropout, homelessness, justice involvement, and workforce disengagement.

This bill creates a formal pathway for youth development funding, positioning the state to direct future revenue into prevention infrastructure rather than reply on ad hoc budget decisions.  

If it advances, it strengthens the case for integrated school-community partnerships and long-term investment in student stability. If it stalls, youth development funding remains piecemeal and uncertain, continuing to compete within broader budget categories without a clear fiscal home.  

鈥淭ruthfully,鈥� Erica adds, 鈥渢he state鈥檚 ability to build prevention infrastructure should not depend on temporary or fragmented funding decisions.鈥�

The Budget: Where Survival Becomes Reality

SB 5998: The Operating Budget

After the cutoff, the operating budget becomes the central battleground.  

鈥淭he operating budget is where 鈥榳hat survives鈥� becomes reality,鈥� Erica explains. 鈥淟ine items matter just as much as top-line totals.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

黑料不打烊WA is closely tracking Local Effort Assistance (LEA) Enhancement funding. The organization has advocated to maintain LEA enhancement at $250 rather than reducing it to $150, as outlined in the proposal.  

If protected, LEA funding helps under-resourced districts maintain staffing and student-facing supports that are often first on the chopping block, such as attendance outreach, family engagement, and coordination of basic needs. 

黑料不打烊WA is also watching investments tied to youth development and prevention infrastructure. If the budget reflects youth development as a priority, partnerships and programs that keep students engaged and connected can stabilize.  

If funding falls short: 

• Student support services become inconsistent across districts 
• Inequities widen based on zip code 
• Prevention capacity shrinks 
• Schools and community-based organizations shift into reactive crisis response 

鈥淲e can鈥檛 keep loving prevention, knowing it鈥檚 important, and then not funding it,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淓very time we refuse to fund prevention, we spend much more money funding the solution to a problem that could have been prevented.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

What Died & What That Means

SB 5940: Foster Care Housing Pilot

SB 5940 did not advance out of its House of Origin.  

The pilot would have provided rental assistance and housing-related fees for eligible youth in foster care experiences, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Assistance could have lasted up to 24 months, serving as a bridge between foster care and independence. 

The legislature faces a significant budget deficit, forcing difficult decisions. But the need remains. 

Housing instability affects nearly every dimension of a student鈥檚 academic life. Students experiencing housing disruption are more likely to: 

• Miss school 
• Lose academic continuity 
• Struggle with postsecondary enrollment 
• Lose connection to trusted adults 

This pilot would have filled critical gaps during transition periods. 

鈥淭here is an opportunity to revive efforts in future years,鈥� Erica notes. 鈥淓specially as Washington takes a hard look at its revenue structure and whether it is meeting the needs of the state now and into the future.鈥�

What Stability Really Means

When asked what 鈥渟tability鈥� means for a student experiencing homelessness or foster care, Erica pauses. 

鈥淪tability looks different for each student. But what rings true is predictability.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Predictability can mean: 

• Staying in the same school even if housing changes 
• Seeing the same trusted adults each day 
• Knowing how they will access food, transportation, clothing, and a shower 
• Being able to plan for graduation and postsecondary pathways without fear of disruption 

Behind every bill are students carrying everything they own in a backpack. Students change addresses multiple times a semester. Students are technically enrolled but deeply disengaged.  

鈥淩esilience shouldn鈥檛 be a prerequisite for access to education and support services,鈥� Erica says. 鈥淪tudents shouldn鈥檛 have to overcome instability just to receive the basics.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

What Happens Next?

Bills that have advanced now move to the opposite chamber for hearing, executive session, and possible amendments. Meanwhile, budget negotiations intensify. What survives in the final operating budget will determine whether prevention infrastructure and student stability supports expand, hold steady, or shrink.  

黑料不打烊WA will continue serving as both a statewide policy advocate or a bridge between school buildings and the legislature, translating real experiences from 60% of Washington鈥檚 legislative districts into policy conversations that shape funding and implementation.  

Policy is strongest when it reflects lived reality. 

How You Can Stay Engaged

Community members can: 

•  through the Washington Legislature website 
• Watch hearings on  
• Communicate directly with  
• Sign up for  
• Share stories on your platforms from schools that illustrate the impact of youth development and safety-net programs 

As Erica reflects:

鈥淥ur legislature is taking a serious look at our tax structure and asking whether it meets the needs of Washington today and into the future. That gives me hope. There are people trying to make actionable change… both in how we generate revenue and how we invest in students.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The decisions ahead will shape not only this budget cycle, but the stability of students across Washington. 

And stability, for many students, is the difference between surviving school and succeeding in it.

You just read After the House of Origin Cutoff: What This Moment Means for Washington Student on 黑料不打烊.

Research developed by , this training introduces a research-backed framework that helps staff build even more intentional, impactful relationships with young people. And while relationship-building is already a core reason staff join the 黑料不打烊 network, DRT gives them something powerful, a shared language, a clear structure, and tools to deepen what they do so naturally. 

鈥淏eing in this position for a while, eventually, things become routine. This helped me reset a bit to be more intentional about the actions聽I’m聽already taking to support students.鈥澛�

Why This Training Matters聽

The Search Institute framework breaks that answer into five research-backed principles that help youth thrive: 

• Express care:聽Showing students they matter and listening with empathy.聽
• Challenge growth:聽Encouraging them to stretch, set goals, and try new things.聽
• Provide support:聽Helping them navigate obstacles with guidance and structure.聽
• Share power:聽Giving聽students聽voice, choice, and opportunities to lead.聽
• 贰虫辫补苍诲听辫辞蝉蝉颈产颈濒颈迟颈别蝉:聽Opening doors to new experiences, networks, and opportunities.聽

Though these concepts may seem intuitive, staff shared that the training provided a powerful shift. Before, they relied heavily on instinct. After the training, they could more clearly聽identify聽their strengths, understand their 鈥渂lind spots,鈥� and choose which principles to emphasize in their daily work intentionally.聽

鈥淚 will work on expanding possibilities with my youth to ensure they can start thinking and seeing their full potential.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Interactive, Reflective, and Rooted in Youth Voice聽

Unlike a typical sit-and-listen training, the DRT sessions are highly interactive: full of storytelling, practice scenarios, and reflection. Staff spent time looking inward: Which principles come naturally? Which ones require more intentionality? What does each principle look like in their school buildings, with students? 

The training also draws heavily from Search Institute鈥檚 research, which blends data with the lived experiences of youth. This grounding ensures that the concepts aren鈥檛 just theoretical, but also that they鈥檙e aligned with what young people actually say they need from adults in their lives. 

One participant shared: 

鈥淟isten to my students and make them advocate for themselves more. I will find more community relationships to support my students better and keep working with school staff to provide a great and safe environment.鈥澛�

Why 黑料不打烊WA Is Invested in This Work聽

This first training (attended by roughly 17 staff from Greater King County) is just the beginning. 黑料不打烊WA plans to host three more trainings before the end of 2026, with no cap on participation and the potential to expand regionally as larger spaces become available. 

For Nikki, this work reflects 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 long-term commitment to equipping our staff with the tools and frameworks that support strong relationships with students. While this was the first time this cohort experienced the curriculum in a classroom-style setting, Nikki鈥檚 recent certification in the Developmental Relationships framework, completed with 黑料不打烊 peers from our national network, enables 黑料不打烊WA to offer this training to affiliates across the state. 

Momentum is already building. Program managers at GKC were strong champions in bringing this to their teams, and early feedback shows staff are eager for more opportunities to use the framework, internally with students, and even with school staff. 

Looking ahead, one opportunity stands out: extending this shared language to school partners. Since so much of student success depends on collaboration within schools, having a common relationship framework could be transformational. 

How This Benefits Partners and Sponsors聽

At 黑料不打烊WA, relationships are the core of our model. Yet until now, we haven’t had a dedicated, research-backed training specific to building relationships with youth. Developmental Relationship Training fills that gap, and elevates it. 

For partners and sponsors who care deeply about youth outcomes, this training represents: 

• A proven, evidence-based approach to strengthening student support聽
• A way to align school staff, 黑料不打烊 teams, and community partners around shared practices聽
• A scalable model that reinforces the relational foundation of our work聽
• A framework grounded in what young people say they need to thrive聽

DRT blends research, youth voice, and hands-on practice, making it a compelling investment for anyone committed to helping students feel seen, supported, and motivated. 

This first session at 黑料不打烊 of Greater King County set a strong foundation. Staff walked away energized, reflective, and ready to apply the principles intentionally, not just instinctively. And with more trainings planned, 黑料不打烊WA is excited to expand this work across the network. 

As Nikki shared, the real power of DRT isn鈥檛 just understanding the five principles; it’s using them daily in hallways, one-on-ones, family meetings, and conversations with school staff. It鈥檚 the difference between being supportive and being strategically supportive. 

And ultimately, it means more young people in Washington will experience relationships that help them feel cared for, challenged, supported, empowered, and inspired. 

You just read Strengthening Student Connections: 黑料不打烊WA Launches Developmental Relationship Training聽with聽黑料不打烊 of Greater King County聽 on 黑料不打烊.

The barriers our students face are not rooted in ability or motivation 鈥� they鈥檙e rooted in inequity. Basic needs are the largest barrier to education. Students struggling with housing, food, or transportation may find that even the best curriculum in the world won鈥檛 matter if they don鈥檛 know where they鈥檙e sleeping tonight or how they鈥檒l get to school tomorrow. 

This session opens at a moment of financial strain. The  responds to slower-than-expected revenue growth and rising costs. While the proposal makes targeted efforts to protect core safety net programs, it also includes significant reductions across education and human services鈥攖he very systems many students rely on to stay engaged, stable, and on track to graduate. 

For students facing poverty, housing instability, unmet health needs, or other barriers to learning, these decisions are not abstract鈥攖heir outcomes shape what support is available, and what disappears. 

A Budget Shaped by Slower Growth and Hard Tradeoffs聽

The state is entering this legislative session with a projected $966 million revenue shortfall compared to the June forecast. Income growth has not kept pace with inflation, weakening purchasing power and slowing revenue generation. 

To respond, the Governor鈥檚 proposal includes: 

• $655 million in general fund savings across government agencies聽
• $676.7 million in savings in human services聽
• $146.7 million in education-related reductions聽

While the budget signals support for a millionaires tax, that revenue would not be immediately realized. In the near term, budget balance relies largely on spending reductions. 

The proposal also allocates $165 million from a mix of state, federal, and other funds to help protect essential safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP; an important acknowledgement of growing need as families face rising costs. But even with these protections, the ripple effects of cuts elsewhere are unavoidable. 

Where Students Will Feel the Impact First聽

Several proposed reductions directly affect the systems that help students overcome barriers to learning.聽

Human Services 

• A 31% reduction to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation鈥檚 school-to-work programs, limiting employment pathways for students with disabilities聽
• Elimination of contracts for 36聽Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)聽network administrator providers in Eastern Washington聽
• A 50% reduction in professional development funding for聽child care聽providers聽

These changes weaken the support infrastructure that helps students stay connected to school, caregivers, and future opportunities. 

Education 

• A 6% reduction to statewide programs administered by OSPI聽
• 搁别诲耻肠迟颈辞苍听辞蹿听Local Effort Assistance聽(LEA)聽enhancement聽from $250 to $150聽beginning in 2027聽
• Removal of聽1,816 Transitional Kindergarten slots聽starting in the 2026鈥�27 school year聽
• 搁别诲耻肠别诲听Running Start enrollment caps, cutting the equivalent of 10 college credits per student per year聽
• Across-the-board cuts to higher education, including universities and community and technical colleges聽
• Targeted reductions to workforce and postsecondary planning agencies聽

Together, these changes reduce access to early learning, college credit, and workforce pathways, especially for students who already face systemic inequities. 

黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 2026 Legislative Focus聽

At Communities In Schools of Washington, we see firsthand what happens when student supports are reduced: attendance declines, needs go unmet, and disparities widen.  

翱耻谤听legislative priorities聽this session focus on:聽

• Reducing Chronic Absenteeism through Integrated Student Supports:聽Supporting state investments and policies that strengthen Integrated Student Supports (ISS) through intentional coordination between schools and community partners to remove barriers to learning and reengage students.聽
• Reducing Barriers to Student and Family Stability:聽Advocating for legislative and budget actions that expand access to essential supports鈥攊ncluding food聽assistance, physical, mental, and behavioral health services, and culturally responsive resources鈥攖o promote stability, engagement, and聽equitable聽outcomes.聽
• Protecting the K鈥�12 Ecosystem through Community Partnerships:聽Advancing policies that recognize and sustain school-community partnerships as essential components of Washington鈥檚聽education system, particularly in addressing chronic absenteeism, mental and behavioral health needs, violence prevention, mentoring, and post-secondary access.聽
• Investing in Communities through Balanced Revenue:聽Supporting progressive and balanced revenue solutions that modernize Washington鈥檚 tax structure, reduce over-reliance on regressive consumption taxes, and enable sustainable investments in education and community well-being.聽

Budget decisions are policy choices, and those choices determine whether students receive support early or face greater challenges late. 

Why This Session Matters Now聽

The 2026 legislative session will move quickly. Decisions made by March 12 will shape what resources are available to students for years to come. 

This is a critical moment for policymakers, partners, and community members to stay informed and engaged. 黑料不打烊WA will continue to track developments, advocate for student-centered policies, and share updates throughout the session 鈥� . 

Because when supports are cut, students feel it first, and the consequences last far longer than a budget cycle. 

To get involved or learn more, contact Associate Director Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo聽at erica@ciswa.org or visit

You just read State Budget Cuts Are Coming: Here鈥檚 What That Means for Washington鈥檚 Students on 黑料不打烊.

鈥淪uch a great conference! I learned so much and already have new ideas to bring back to my site.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Creativity Leads the Way

In the year leading up the event, 黑料不打烊WA launched a statewide t-shirt design competition, inviting affiliates to response to a central question: What does it look like to be better together?  

The winning submission came from Chris Yates of Mt. Adams Middle School, part of the 黑料不打烊 of Central WA affiliate, whose concept鈥攂uilt around the phrase 鈥渢he lights will never be too bright鈥� 鈥攚as adapted into an illustration featured on the back of this year鈥檚 conference t-shirt and throughout event materials. The design became a recurring visual thread across the conference, signaling a theme of optimism and collective strength.  

A Welcome Rooted in Community

The conference opened with remarks from Emily Slagle, Executive Director of 黑料不打烊 of Tacoma, who encouraged attendees to reflect on what it means to 鈥渟how up鈥� for students and communities.  

鈥淗ere in Tacoma, we don鈥檛 just talk about showing up鈥攚e live it. Unity isn鈥檛 a buzzword, it鈥檚 our heartbeat. And when one of us wins, we will rise.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Emily Slagle, Executive Director of 黑料不打烊 of Tacoma

Her message framed the event鈥檚 emphasis on shared purpose and the value of working together across district regions.  

Policy and Advocacy at the Forefront

One of the mainstage sessions on Day 1 featured Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, who leads statewide policy and advocacy work for 黑料不打烊WA. Lim贸n-Trefielo outlined the organization鈥檚 legislative priorities (basic needs, mental and behavioral health, and housing stability), while also inviting attendees to help identify emerging issues affecting students.  

Conference attendees weighed in on barriers such as food insecurity, unreliable transportation, fear of government or immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living. Attendees also discussed areas where additional support may be needed, including after-school programming, legal resources, gun safety and gang-related pressures, and mental health access.  

Lim贸n-Trefielo emphasized the importance of helping lawmakers understand the nuances behind chronic absenteeism, trauma-informed care, cultural trauma, and the impact of inconsistent funding on student support services. Her session underscored the broader policy context in which school-based supports operate and the need for continued advocacy.  

Breakout Sessions Across the Network 

Across the two-day event, attendees had the opportunity to participate in three breakout sessions on over 14 topics, designed and led by practitioners, and content experts. The sessions spanned a wide range of topics, including: 

• Navigating vicarious trauma through polyvagal-informed approaches 
• Supporting migrant and undocumented students 
• Violence prevention and supporting youth affected by gang involvement and systems 

鈥淭he presenters were amazing鈥攕o personable, hilarious, and validating.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The mix of sessions reflected both the everyday realities staff encounter and the specialized knowledge needed to support students facing complex barriers. Hallway conversations, resource sharing, and informal networking continued between sessions, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the gathering.  

鈥淰ery informative 鈥� I learned multiple new things I can put into practice immediately.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

A Keynote on Rest and Resilience

Day 2 featured keynote speaker Kibi Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, and executive coach. Anderson delivered a session titled 鈥淏ecoming a Rested Rebel,鈥� urging attendees to reconsider the pace and expectations that shape their professional lives.  

Anderson argued that the demands placed on educators and youth-serving professionals often normalize unsustainable rhythms. She outlined a three-part framework 1) Clarity over Chaos 2) Boundaries as Boldness 3) and Rest as a Leadership Strategy. The framework encourages attendees to view rest as an essential component of effective leadership rather than a luxury.  

Her message centered on the idea of seeking harmony rather than balance, and she offered practical strategies to incorporate restorative 鈥渕icro-rests鈥� into the workday, such as a brief outdoor walk, reading, or creative hobbies.  

鈥淭his was an incredible presentation and spot on for me and our team. Staff members already used her tip to support an overwhelmed principal.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Why This Conference Matters 

Ultimately, the Better Together Conference is more than a professional gathering, it is an investment in the people who ensure Washington鈥檚 students have stability, connection, and opportunity. Program managers and site coordinators are often the first adults a student turns to when they鈥檙e hungry, housing feels uncertain, or school becomes overwhelming. Strengthening their skills and relationships strengthens the safety net that so many young people rely on.  

鈥淚鈥檓 already excited for next year 鈥� the conference was seriously fantastic. Staff shared SO many positive takeaways.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

For sponsors, organizations and supporters who believe in the mission, the conference illustrates what it takes to keep these supports strong. It brings visibility to the depth of need across communities, the complexity of challenges students face, and the dedication required to meet those challenges with dignity and care. It also highlights the power of equipping frontline staff with the tools, training, and connections that help them respond effectively.  

When supporters make it possible for 黑料不打烊 staff to gather, learn, and innovate together, the impact reaches far beyond the conference itself. It reaches classrooms where a student stays engaged because someone notices change. It reaches families who access resources they didn鈥檛 know existed. It reaches entire school communities that feel more connected, more responsive, and more hopeful.  

In that sense, the Better Together Conference serves as a reminder: when we strengthen the network surrounding students, we strengthen the possibilities available to them. And every individual who stands behind their effort helps shape what those possibilities can be.  

The conference was made possible through sponsorship from BECU, Cambia, WellPoint, Microsoft, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health whose support helped bring statewide staff together at a critical time for student and family needs. 

For more information on partnership opportunities, contact Carina Raddatz, Development Director, at carina@ciswa.org or visit the Communities In Schools of Washington corporate giving opportunities website.  

鈥淚 left with real, actionable strategies I can use tomorrow.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
鈥淭he most impactful session I鈥檝e attended in my 黑料不打烊 career.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

You just read Inside the 2025 Better Together Conference: Connection, Creativity, and Community in Tacoma聽 on 黑料不打烊.

Imagine a Washington where every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. That鈥檚 the future we鈥檙e building together鈥攁nd your support makes it possible.

Each morning, students walk into school carrying more than backpacks. Some are hungry. Some worry about where they鈥檒l sleep tonight. Others care for siblings while their parents work late. These are the daily realities thousands of young people are facing.

At 黑料不打烊, we believe no student should face these challenges alone. Through every high and low, and no matter what is happening around the world, 黑料不打烊 will continue to stand with students鈥攁nd thanks to you, we always will.

From my first days with 黑料不打烊, I鈥檝e heard stories of possibility. A student once on the verge of dropping out is now preparing for college. Another began showing up to school again because someone noticed they were missing and stayed long enough to understand why. Change happens when a caring adult shows up early, consistently, and unconditionally.

Right now, one in three students in Washington miss three or more weeks of school each year鈥�not because they lack ability, but because they lack support. That鈥檚 where we make a difference.

School-based staff are in schools every day, building relationships and removing barriers before they become crises. Food. Mental health support. Clothing. Transportation. Whatever a student needs to stay connected. And it works.

When students have 黑料不打烊 by their side, their most basic needs are met. From food access and housing stability to wellness support, 338,000 items are provided throughout the year鈥攅nsuring 100,000+ students had what they needed to show up and succeed.

This season, I invite you to invest in possibility. Your commitment helps sustain the network of support students need to thrive:

Give today to ensure every student in Washington has someone in their corner, because together we鈥檙e creating a future where every student can soar to new heights.

Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season, and heartfelt thanks for all the ways you continue to show up for students and families across Washington.

However you give, your support helps us show up for students who need it most

You just read Everyone’s Responsibility. Every Student’s Possibility. on 黑料不打烊.

And the impact is steep: a student is considered chronically absent once they miss just two days a month鈥�10% of the school year鈥攑utting them at risk for long-term academic, social, and emotional challenges. 

Before the pandemic, Washington鈥檚 chronic absenteeism rate was 15%. It spiked to 30% in the years that followed, and even now, it remains alarmingly high at 26%. 

On November 19, Communities In Schools of Washington (黑料不打烊WA) brought together education leaders for Building Systems of Support: A School Leadership Conversation to explore a powerful question: What does it truly take for students to show up, not just in school, but in their own lives? 

Moderated by Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, Associate Director at 黑料不打烊WA, the conversation was marked by honesty, urgency, and a deep shared belief that connection, not compliance, is what brings students back through school doors. 

The Panelists: Leaders Who See the Whole Student

The conversation was guided by three school district leaders who understand that attendance is about far more than showing up for class, it’s about whether a student feels safe, supported, and connected enough to fully engage in their education. Each panelist brought a unique perspective shaped by their communities, their challenges, and their commitment to creating school environments where every student can thrive. 

John Farley: Superintendent, Republic School District (Part of 黑料不打烊 of Northeast Washington) 

• John leads one of Washington鈥檚 most rural districts, where access to resources can be limited. He champions partnerships that expand what schools can offer, ensuring students have the support they need to show up and thrive. 

Chris Gardea: Assistant Superintendent, Walla Walla Public Schools (Part of 黑料不打烊 of the Blue Mountain Region) 

• Chris brings over 25 years in education and focuses on building systems that support the whole student. Through 黑料不打烊, he helps families stabilize and ensures students have the resources and relationships to stay engaged in learning. 

Tim Winter: Superintendent, South Kitsap School District (Part of 黑料不打烊 of Peninsula) 

• Tim leads a fast-growing district facing rising mental health needs. He emphasizes connection before content, using 黑料不打烊 partnerships to create meaningful relationships that anchor students to school and community. 

Watch the Full Panel Session

Why Attendance Matters: More Than a Metric

While the definition of chronic absenteeism is simple (missing 10% of the school year) the lived experience behind it is anything but. Panelists emphasized that the effects of chronic absence ripple throughout a student鈥檚 life: 

• missed opportunities to build relationships 
• missed moments of belonging 
• missed chances to discover strengths 
• missed connection to caring adults 
• missed belief in a future they can step into 

As Superintendent Tim Winter put it bluntly: 

鈥淢iss school, miss out鈥攐n academics, on belonging, on connection.鈥� 

Students don鈥檛 learn how to 鈥渄o鈥� school when they鈥檙e not there. And once a student has been gone for days or weeks, returning can feel overwhelming and isolating. 

But the panelists were clear on one point: this is not a story of student choice鈥攊t鈥檚 a story of systems, circumstances, and unmet needs. 

The Real Barriers Students Face 

Absences rarely begin with a student deciding to stay home. They begin with adult realities鈥攃onditions families are navigating every single day: 

• transportation gaps 
• unstable housing 
• food insecurity 
• unpredictable work schedules 
• caregiving responsibilities 
• limited or inaccessible mental health support 

In rural communities like Republic, the nearest resource may be an hour away. In growing districts like South Kitsap, families are juggling pressures that didn鈥檛 exist a decade ago. In Walla Walla, schools are supporting families experiencing compounding stress. 

Superintendent John Farley summed it up: 

鈥淲hen your basic needs aren鈥檛 met, your needs at school aren鈥檛 met. We can鈥檛 judge. We have to meet families where they are.鈥� 

And it鈥檚 exactly at this intersection, between need and possibility, that 黑料不打烊 shows up. 

The 黑料不打烊 Difference: Relationships That Change the Story

Throughout the event, panelists returned to one theme: 黑料不打烊 site coordinators fundamentally shift what鈥檚 possible for students. 

They build trust. 

They listen deeply. 

They identify the real reasons behind absences. 

They connect students and families to resources schools simply aren鈥檛 funded to provide on their own. 

In Walla Walla, site coordinators are stabilizing families under extraordinary strain. 

In South Kitsap, they鈥檙e helping parents navigate an anxious generation of students. 

In Republic, they鈥檙e bringing resources to a community that often has none within reach. 

John shared a story that captured this impact more powerfully than any metric: 

A student who had been labeled 鈥渢ough鈥� year after year began engaging… showing up, connecting, trying, only after a 黑料不打烊 coordinator sat beside them each day, no agenda, no pressure. Just presence. 

鈥淭hat relationship brought hope back,鈥� John said. 鈥淭he student started doing better for himself.鈥� 

This is what makes 黑料不打烊 different. This is the work that doesn鈥檛 make headlines but transforms lives. 

Impact You Can Feel, Not Just Measure

Data points shared during the discussion painted a clear picture of progress鈥攁nd potential: 

Attendance increased from 57% to 74% within 30 days for a group of students in Walla Walla receiving 黑料不打烊 support. 

In Republic, relationships formed in elementary school are sustaining through middle and high school, creating a throughline of support rarely possible in rural systems. 

In South Kitsap, community partnerships are multiplying, expanding the district鈥檚 capacity to support students far beyond its staffing limitations. 

The message was unmistakable: Attendance improves when students feel connected, supported, and seen. And that doesn鈥檛 happen by accident. 

Where We Go From Here: A Collective Call to Action

When asked what they would ask of the community鈥攅ducators, partners, donors, families鈥攖he panelists offered clear, unified calls: 

鈥淚nvest in relationships.鈥� 鈥� John 

鈥淚nvest, engage, and believe. These kids are worth it.鈥� 鈥� Tim 

鈥淲e need more adults connecting families to resources.鈥� 鈥� Chris 

Chronic absenteeism is not simply a school issue. It is a community issue… one that requires a community response. And that response is strengthened every time a new partner, donor, or champion steps forward. 

Schools are expected to be hubs of support for students and families, but rarely have the resources to meet every need. 黑料不打烊 exists to bridge that gap, weaving relationships, care, and connection into the school day so students can show up ready to learn, grow, and belong. 

If we want students to show up鈥攃onsistently, confidently, fully鈥攚e must be willing to show up for them first. 

This is the work. This is the moment. And this is the journey. Walk it with us. 

You just read Beyond the Classroom: Reimagining What Support in Schools Looks Like聽 on 黑料不打烊.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

At its core, Communities In Schools exists to ensure that every student has the resources, relationships, and support to unlock their full potential. BCG, a global consulting firm with a strong Pacific Northwest presence, shares that belief in unlocking potential鈥攚hether for corporations, communities, or the young people who will shape our future.聽

鈥淯nlocking potential鈥� is at the heart of all we do at BCG. Partnering with 黑料不打烊WA gave us the opportunity to apply the best of BCG to help communities across Washington thrive. We鈥檙e proud to help open doors for students and ensure they have the support they need to reach their full potential,鈥� remarked Philip Andersen, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG.聽

Building Systems for Lasting Change

Over the course of the several months, a dedicated BCG team collaborated with 黑料不打烊WA Board Members and leadership team to examine three priority areas to strengthen 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 systems within the organization and support long-term impact. 

These efforts went beyond tactical fixes. The goal was systems change: equipping 黑料不打烊WA with tools and models to build statewide capacity, ensure governance clarity, and increase the organization鈥檚 ability to respond to evolving funding landscapes. Importantly, these governance and fundraising shifts ultimately translate into more consistent supports for students, whether access to food, counseling, or digital tools, ensuring that structural improvements lead directly to stronger student outcomes. 

鈥満诹喜淮蜢萕A is navigating major challenges, but from the start, we knew our partnership needed to look beyond today. Together, we set out not only to solve pressing issues but to build lasting capabilities that prepare 黑料不打烊WA for the future鈥� shared Ben Meunier, Consultant, BCG. 

The Momentum of Partnership

In June 2024, 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 Board of Directors and leadership team reviewed BCG鈥檚 findings and began taking steps to put their recommendations into practice. This work continues as 黑料不打烊WA refines fundraising strategies, updates governance expectations, and advanced the search for a new State Executive Director. 

This summer, 黑料不打烊WA welcomed Gwynth Nelson as the new State Executive Director, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Working alongside the Development Director, Gwynth is helping shape the next phase of fundraising strategies.  

The work ahead is already in motion. 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 leadership team continues to refine processes and efficiencies, and as the new State Executive Director role evolves, the team is experimenting with clear decision-making structures, fine-tuning performance measures, and gathering input from affiliates to strengthen the statewide model.  

Community, Commitment, and Shared Impact

Beyond strategy sessions, BCG鈥檚 involvement has extended into the community. Team members have attended 黑料不打烊WA events, including the , where BCG also served as a sponsor. Their presence reflects a commitment that goes deeper than consulting 鈥� it鈥檚 about showing up, listening, and investing in the communities where they live and work.  

What makes BCG unique is its deeply held commitment to being a strong partner in the Pacific Northwest. By working with 黑料不打烊WA, BCG is helping strengthen the systems that support students across the state, reinforcing the idea that community impact and organizational success go hand in hand. 

The work between 黑料不打烊WA and BCG is just getting started. It has sparked momentum that both teams are excited to keep building on. Looking ahead, they are focused on scaling supports to more schools, expanding partnerships across Washington, and advocating for a dedicated line item in the statewide budget to support Integrated Student Supports (ISS). Together, they鈥檙e working toward a vision where communities across the state are stronger, more connected, and equipped with the resources and support students need to thrive. 

鈥淪erving on the 黑料不打烊WA Board has given me a front-row seat to the impact that strong partnerships can have on students鈥� lives. What excites me about BCG鈥檚 work with 黑料不打烊WA is the focus on lasting change鈥攂uilding systems that give every student the chance to thrive, no matter where they live鈥� commented Heather Andersen, 黑料不打烊WA Board of Directors. 

黑料不打烊WA is grateful to the Andersen family and BCG for investing in the systems that will sustain student success for years to come. We invite other partners to join us in building systems that give every student the opportunity to thrive. 

You just read From Strategy to Impact: How Boston Consulting Group is Equipping 黑料不打烊WA to Strengthen Its Future on 黑料不打烊.

In 2024, 27% of Washington students were chronically absent 鈥� slightly above the national average of 24%. Those few percentage points represent thousands of students and years of potential challenges.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not going unnoticed,鈥� says Dr. Gwynth R. Nelson, state executive director of 黑料不打烊. 

Nelson points to data showing that chronic absences can lead to lower test scores, weaker social skills and reduced economic opportunities. It鈥檚 also an early warning sign for dropping out, she notes.

鈥淧eople should really know how absenteeism affects multiple aspects of life across the board, and overall future success,鈥� says Nelson. 鈥淚f more people understood the effects of chronic absenteeism, they might understand how serious it is.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Empty seats, lost connections

Absenteeism has a ripple effect. Research shows chronically absent students affect their classmates, too.

鈥淪tudents are concerned about their classmates, and ask what鈥檚 going on,鈥� Nelson says. Building communities in schools relies on everyone being present and engaged. 

鈥淪chools struggling with high absenteeism struggle with achievement for everyone, along with math and language proficiency,鈥� says Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, associate director of 黑料不打烊WA. 

When students aren鈥檛 in their seats, schools struggle to create the overall educational and social-emotional patterns and habits that are naturally developed throughout the school years. 

鈥淎s a former educator, I feel it鈥檚 important to have awareness about what absenteeism actually looks like,鈥� Nelson says. 鈥淓ducators can have so much on their plates, they may be aware that a student or several students are absent, but it鈥檚 challenging to try to tap into resources to find out why and what鈥檚 being done about an absent student.鈥�

Factors impacting school attendance

Absenteeism is a symptom of root problems, and many interconnected roots contribute to student disengagement, says Lim贸n-Trefielo.

Transportation problems, limited public transit and family schedule conflicts often make it difficult to get to school. As a result, systemic-level strategies are often the most effective, particularly when they take a multifaceted approach to bridge home, school and external community support. 

鈥淓arly intervention strategies can help prevent the root causes of chronic absenteeism,鈥� Lim贸n-Trefielo says. Critical state and federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and McKinney-Vento (for students experiencing homelessness) provide food, transportation, housing and health care. 

黑料不打烊WA, she explains, will work with food banks to provide lunchboxes and backpacks, or partner with local clinics to bring health and dental care to school parking lots. 

鈥淧arents engaging in school, asking hard questions, is essential for any student to get what they need to be successful in that class,鈥� says Lim贸n-Trefielo. 鈥淧arents should not be afraid to be an advocate.鈥�

Strategies for school success

Boosting attendance rates often depends on cleverly leveraging creativity and community knowledge. 黑料不打烊WA has implemented a tiered model that includes one-on-one student support as well as schoolwide interventions. Using these strategies, 黑料不打烊WA has served more than 108,000 students statewide 鈥� and 77% met or made progress toward their attendance goals.

To achieve regular attendance, one of the most effective strategies is to involve the entire school campus, according to Lim贸n-Trefielo. In some cases, it can make sense to identify a cohort of students who frequently miss days and engage them with targeted interventions such as peer mentoring or leadership groups.

Positive incentives such as short-term grade-level challenges, pancake breakfasts, gift card raffles or year-end celebrations can also motivate attendance.

Although Washington student-support programs were hit with a staggering 86% cut in funding recently, 黑料不打烊WA still moves forward with optimism.  

鈥淭o get students in seats, we have to be creative with what the community wants and needs, while trying to tap into the resources we have,鈥� Lim贸n-Trefielo says. 鈥淎t the end of the day, we are all here for the same goal: to support learners and their families. If we can get back to that idea, the rest will fall into place.鈥�

You just read Attendance in schools: How today鈥檚 absence impacts tomorrow鈥檚 outcome on 黑料不打烊.

Each fall, as students return to classrooms, Gesa partners with Communities In Schools (黑料不打烊) affiliates across Washington to help students start the year strong with the knowledge, supplies, and support, they need to build the lives they want. From school supply drives and block parties to community events across the state, Gesa鈥檚 efforts amplify connection and local engagement. These initiatives directly advance 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission by surrounding students with a network of care, providing not only material support, but also the confidence and opportunities to navigate their educational journey with success.聽

Meeting Communities Where They Are聽

Over the past several years, Gesa has steadily built a statewide presence with a distinctly local touch, partnering with affiliates to meet students and educators where they are. The Gesa and 黑料不打烊 WA network partnership touches nearly every corner of the state, and no two communities experience it in the same way. In Tacoma and Puyallup, it means co-hosted block parties and school supply drives that rally neighborhoods together. In Spokane, it鈥檚 a coffee truck serving free drinks to educators, where even the tip jar turns into a donation for 黑料不打烊. 

Each effort, while seemingly small on its own, builds toward something more powerful: the understanding that education鈥攂oth financial and academic鈥攃reates lasting change.聽

鈥淕esa has come alongside us to provide essential supports to students and families in our community over the past eight years. We could not succeed in our work without them,鈥� said Joely Nye-Felt, Development Director, Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin.

Eight Affiliates, One Commitment聽

Gesa鈥檚 support spans years-long relationships and brand-new collaborations: 

• Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin: An eight-year partnership, including annual sponsorship of the 鈥淧lanting Seeds for Bright Futures鈥� campaign, holiday toy drives, $1,000 in seasonal support, volunteerism at school events, and dedicated days of service.聽
• 黑料不打烊 of Greater King County: A steadfast supporter since 2017, sponsoring everything from golf tournaments to breakfast fundraisers, wine and brew events, block parties, gift card drives, and this year鈥檚 hygiene drive.聽
• 黑料不打烊 of the Blue Mountain Region: In their first six months as partners, Gesa donated $250 in holiday gifts for families and $1,000 in seasonal support, ensuring students had what they needed during the winter months.聽
• 黑料不打烊 of Tacoma: A two-year partnership that includes event sponsorships, volunteering, and consistent presence at school events. Local Gesa representative Jayden has become a familiar face, bringing both energy and resources to the community.聽

Building for the Long Game聽

What sets Gesa apart as a partner isn鈥檛 just what they do, it鈥檚 how they do it. Their approach is rooted in long-term relationship building, not short-term transactions. They understand that real impact requires patience, consistency, and the wisdom to meet each community’s unique financial and educational needs. 

Across the network, affiliates say the same thing: Gesa shows up. They contribute financially, volunteer their time, and adapt their support to meet each region鈥檚 unique needs. Because this is what it means to be a trusted lifelong financial partner. 

And as this partnership continues to expand, the goal is clear: create more opportunities for students and families, and keep building trust through presence and action. 

You just read From Coffee Trucks to Classrooms: How Gesa Credit Union Fuels Community Impact Across Washington on 黑料不打烊.