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Board discusses data-privacy concerns and WASFA security; WASAC outlines vendor change and automatic-qualification pilot
Summary
Board members raised immigrant-community privacy concerns; WASAC responded that FERPA protections apply, reported contracting Concourse for a simplified WASFA starting 2027-28, and said an automatic-qualification pilot using SNAP data was tested and will expand pending interagency agreements.
During Q&A, board members raised privacy and equity concerns about encouraging FAFSA completion among communities with immigration-related fears. Reuben Flores said a recent personal incident involving his daughter heightened concern among families about data exposure and enforcement actions.
“We also have friends who... disappear, being picked up by ICE,” Reuben Flores said, describing community mistrust and asking how WASAC is addressing these concerns. Amy Keltner acknowledged the trauma and said the campaign hears privacy concerns frequently. WASAC noted it offers a state alternative form (WASFA) and that FERPA and other confidentiality protocols apply. Staff said WASAC has contracted a new vendor, Concourse, to implement a simpler WASFA beginning in the 2027–28 cycle and that older WASFA records beyond statutory retention periods have been deleted.
Board members asked about automatic qualification for the Washington College Grant for students eligible for SNAP and other benefits. WASAC said it piloted automatic qualification for 12th graders this spring and plans expansion to 10th–12th graders in the fall, but staff cited federal data-sharing restrictions and an interagency agreement process with DSHS as ongoing hurdles to broader rollout. Bill Line urged continued work to allow automatic notifications to families when they are likely eligible for the college grant.
WASAC and agency staff committed to continuing to refine privacy protections, clarify WASFA safeguards, and pursue interagency solutions to reduce barriers for eligible students.
