It seemed that everyone we talked to had a different interpretation of this. We went to the ferry system for a definitive answer. Here is a paraphrase of what Cathy Booth, the reimbursements officer, said.
The WAC that allows for the school discounts specifically says "authorized school groups." It could be argued forever where homeschooling fits in that definition. The ferry system has included homeschools in that definition, although it's not exactly what the WAC says. WSF needs to make certain they are compliant when the state auditors come through.
Therefore, their PREFERENCE is that the letter on letterhead come from the local school district. That's fine for those in Alt Ed programs. For many of us who homeschool, it's not really a viable option. They understand that. They have accepted letters from homeschool associations. They have a very good and long-standing relationship with WHO, and having WHO generate a letter on their letterhead is also an option. If your support group is listed on WHO's pages, it will likely be an easier call for them. She said that they key phrase in the WAC is INSTITUTION-SPONSORED. The letters must come from an institution, not a family.
If the letter is not coming from a public school district, a public or private school, or a homeschool association, it's important that the following be adhered to. The discount is for school (and homeschool) GROUPS. It is not a family discount. Many parents (homeschool and otherwise) take their children on educational field trips. They are not covered. This is not the intent. The discount letter should not be signed by a parent on the trip. The signature should come from someone on the board of directors of the co-op, the president of the homeschool group, or some other such official without an immediate vested interest. The letter should be specific as to group, destination, date, and sponsoring institution.
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