We want to thank you for your service and your patience during these unprecedented times. You are essential to the work of our district and we cannot express enough appreciation for your service.  We will be utilizing this webpage as a source to keep you informed with the most up to date information.  Please plan on checking at least once a week for any updates. 

 Unemployment Benefits

Per Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) – Unemployment Pool:

Employees should go to the Washington Employment Security Department website an apply for benefits online at https://secure.esd.wa.gov/hom/.  Due to PSESD’s current call volume at this time, it is recommended that you do not apply for benefits via phone

Recommendations for completing filing online:

• Select the reason for unemployment as “laid off” and explain “due to school closure as a result of COVID-19.” It is important to list the reason.
• Request “Standby.”  When selecting standby, you must use a time period of 28 days.  If you choose 29 days or more, PSESD will automatically issue a denial.
• Because our schools are closed for 6 weeks and standby by is only 4 weeks, the District will receive a list of our unemployment claims that need to be extended.  The District will agree to allow benefits to extend beyond 4 weeks and will notify ESD. 
• If the employee needs to do anything further, they will be notified.

School Closure

Based on the governor’s proclamation, and the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, FWPS is closing beginning Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 24, 2020. This is to help “flatten the curve” of the rate of infection. Without these restrictions, the rate of infection would overwhelm the health care system.

Orientation Guest Employees 

 If you have any questions or concerns at any point of the process, please contact Guest Teacher Specialist Tina Williamson at twilliam@fwps.org or (253) 945-2027.