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Welcome to the December edition of the SBE monthly up newsletter! We hope you all have a great Holiday season. Here's a recap of what the Board has been up to this month:
Brooke Brown, a member of the State Board, and Alissa Muller, the Board's Director of Policy, gave an update on the State's Mastery-based Learning Collaborative to the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee during a work session on Friday, Dec. 13.
During the presentation, Brooke Brown shared some powerful insights on the important role culturally responsive-sustaining education plays in mastery-based learning. Click the photo below to watch a three minute highlight of her speech or use the button below it to view the entire presentation.
The Board is excited to announce that we've hired three new staff members. These new staff members will play an important role in facilitating the Board's communication and community engagement efforts.
Here's a little more information about who they are!
Colton Kaltenfeldt
Communications Manager
Before joining the board, Colton worked in both the private and public sector in various communication roles. He is passionate about empowering communities to take an active role in their children’s education through effective and equitable communication. In addition to his work with the board, he is an advocate for more accessible and affordable pre-K childcare opportunities.
What inspired you to work for the State Board and what excites you most about your new role?
I was inspired to join the Board's staff because I believe that preparing the next generation to take on the challenges of tomorrow is one of the most important things we can do. That all starts with them receiving a modern and responsive education. Anything I can do to help us get there is time well spent in my eyes. I'm excited to learn about all the ways we work with communities across the state and find ways to share information with those communities.
How do you hope to make a difference for the communities or people we serve?
I want to help foster trust between the Board and the people they serve. That starts with good communication. I'm looking forward to finding effective and creative ways to talk about the Board's work with the people most impacted by its decisions. I'm also looking forward to building a stronger pipeline that encourages community members — and especially students — to bring their input and feedback to the Board. This two-way street of communication is essential to making good policy.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests you’re passionate about?
I really enjoy running on the abundance of trails that my home, Bellingham, has to offer. This year especially, my husband and I have enjoyed camping with our dog, Walter. I'm also a big fan of tabletop and role-playing games.
✉ Reach out to Colton over email
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Yazmin Carretero
Government Relations and Policy Analyst
Yazmin immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico at just 10 years old and spent 19 years navigating life as an undocumented immigrant. This experience profoundly shaped her passion for advocacy and her commitment to empowering underserved communities. With over a decade of experience in community outreach, nonprofit management, policy development, and higher education leadership, Yazmin has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income populations.
In addition to her professional achievements, Yazmin is the founder of a social impact consulting firm, where she focuses on bridging gaps between organizations and the communities they serve, promoting equity, and driving meaningful change. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflects her dedication to advancing social justice and uplifting others.
Outside of her work, Yazmin is a devoted mom to her baby, who brings endless joy and inspiration to her life. She cherishes every moment of her free time with her little one, making family her top priority.
What inspired you to work for the State Board and what excites you most about your new role?
I was inspired to join the State Board because of my deep commitment to advancing equity through thoughtful policy and advocacy. With my background in government relations, policy analysis, and community engagement, I see this role as a chance to influence systemic change by shaping policies that support students and educators across Washington. What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including Tribes, to create policies that reflect the voices and needs of all communities, ensuring equitable access to education.
How do you hope to make a difference for the communities and people we serve?
In my role, I aim to make a difference by building strong, trust-based relationships with community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. By centering community voices and providing data-driven policy solutions, I hope to address longstanding disparities in education funding and access. My goal is to advocate for policies that not only meet the immediate needs of students but also create long-term, sustainable improvements in education equity and outcomes.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests you’re passionate about?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially my baby, who inspires me every day. I also have a passion for personal growth and staying active. Whether I’m reading, exploring the outdoors, or training for my first half marathon, I find joy in pushing my boundaries and connecting with the world around me. These activities keep me energized and focused, both personally and professionally.
✉ Reach out to Yazmin over email
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Anna Ricks
Tribal Liaison & Community Engagement Coordinator
Anna is a Sinixt Tribal member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Before joining the board, Anna spent fourteen years in education, working as a secondary science teacher, district equity specialist, and school administrator. She is excited to center historically underrepresented voices and collaborate with Tribal Nations across Washington. She has a B.S. in Liberal Studies (Biology) and a Masters in Education, both from Portland State University.
What inspired you to work for the State Board and what excites you most about your new role?
I was excited about the opportunity to center the voices of our community and to work with Tribes.
How do you hope to make a difference for the communities and people we serve?
I'm looking forward to building relationships and trust with communities. Good public policy happens when people are bought in and engaged with the process. I can't wait to help people get bought into our mission.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests you’re passionate about?
Hiking with my dog, looking at plants, playing in the water (SUP, snowboard, surf) and exploring new places and outdoor spaces!
✉ Reach out to Anna over email
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The Board approved its 2024 Statewide Indicators of Education System Health Report and Recommendations during its December Board meeting.
Every two years the Board is required by law to review the performance of the public education system and make recommendations for improvement to the state Legislature and Governor. The Board engages in this work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure all partners in the educational governance landscape are sharing common strategies and working toward common goals.
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During its December meeting, the Board approved proposed rules for private school accreditation. These rules would allow private schools to be exempt from certain Department of Children, Youth, and Family requirements if the school and its student living accommodations are accredited by a State Board-recognized accreditor.
These changes were prompted by the signing of ESSB 5515 into law during the 2023 legislative session. The Board will vote on whether to adopt the rules during its February meeting. To receive the most up-to-date information about the hearing, subscribe to our rules update email list.
The public hearing will start at 3:00pm on Jan. 24, 2025.
Attend Virtually:
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87160300962
Attend In-Person:
Old Capitol Building
Salish Conference Room
600 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Annual basic education collection has been finalized! All Washington state school districts and LEAs have been certified as compliant with the program of basic education.
Basic education compliance is an annual process. Collection for 2025 will begin in mid-May of 2025. The launch will be followed by an annual basic education webinar. We will be sending new updates soon. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact Viktoria Bobyleva, Basic Education Manager.
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