WSR 26-05-007

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

WASHINGTON STATE

SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

[Filed February 5, 2026, 11:22 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Student code of conduct and student disciplinary procedures amendments to comply with current federal regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 34.05.010(16) and 72.40.022(15); Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To bring the Washington state school for the blind's (school) student conduct code, chapter 72-120 WAC, into compliance with the current federal regulations for Title IX that specify how recipients of federal financial assistance covered by Title IX must respond to allegations of sexual harassment consistent with Title IX's prohibition against sex discrimination.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Education; Washington office of superintendent of public instruction.

Process for Developing New Rule: The school will provide public notice of this rule making through filings in the Washington State Register. During a public comment period, the school will also seek comment: (1) As to be described in the anticipated rule-making proposal form (CR-102); (2) from persons who have requested notice of school rule making; and (3) from persons who attend the public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Pam Parker, Interim Superintendent, 2214 East 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661, phone 360-947-3301, fax 360-737-2120, email pam.parker@wssb.wa.gov, website www.wssb.wa.gov.

February 5, 2026

Pam Parker

Interim Superintendent