Due to the impacts of the bomb cyclone storm, Kent School District experienced emergency school closures on November 20-22, 2024. As a result, the KSD Board of Directors has approved the district’s Emergency School Closure Waiver to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) under Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 25-01, which allows districts to request waivers for unforeseen closures while maintaining compliance with instructional requirements. In February, OSPI asked schools to wait until closer to the end of winter to submit their waiver in case there was additional inclement weather.
Governor’s Proclamation & Waiver Process
Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 25-01 allows school districts to request waivers for instructional days lost due to emergencies. Per RCW 28A.150.290 and WAC 392-129, school districts must demonstrate a reasonable effort to make up lost instructional time by:
Making up at least three school days for districtwide closures.
Ensuring the district meets the 1,027 annual instructional hour requirement (or 1,000 hours for K–8 districts).
Utilizing scheduled vacation or closure days and, if necessary, extending the school year through June 14.
Since a state of emergency was declared, districts meeting the annual instructional hour requirement may be granted a waiver under this process. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the potential impacts on the student calendar. The district will provide updates as soon as we receive notification regarding the approval or denial of our waiver application.