The purpose of this chapter is to implement RCW 72.40.050 by establishing a reasonable and uniform tuition charge for nonresident students whose attendance at the Washington state school for the blind is deemed appropriate by the school superintendent.

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) "Residence" shall mean the physical location of a student's principal abode—i.e., the home, house, apartment, facility, structure, etc., within which the student lives the majority of the time. The mailing address of the student—e.g., the parents' address or post office box—may be different than the student's principal abode. The lack of a mailing address does not preclude residency under this section.

(2) "Nonresident student" shall mean a student, otherwise eligible for enrollment, who is between the ages of three and twenty-one, and whose residence is located outside the state of Washington.

(1) The school shall consider requests for the admission of nonresident students on the basis of the order in which such requests are made and without preference; provided however, that a conclusive preference in favor of admitting resident students shall be maintained.

(2) A nonresident student may be admitted only pursuant to a written agreement between the school superintendent and the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) (or, the nonresident student if such student is eighteen years or older).

Agreements required by WAC 72-130-030 shall set forth:

(1) The name, age, and grade level of attendance of the nonresident student;

(2) The duration of the agreement;

(3) A finding that the nonresident student satisfies the admissions criteria set forth in WAC 72-171-150; and

(4) Such other terms and conditions as the parties deem advisable and as are consistent with this chapter.

(1) A parent, guardian, or adult student who wishes to challenge a residency determination shall utilize the brief adjudicative procedures set forth in RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494, as adopted in WAC 72-108-100.

(2) Requests for brief adjudicative procedures shall be written, signed, and directed to the superintendent within twenty days from the date that the original determination was rendered.

(1) Uniform rate. The tuition for nonresident students who are enrolled pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be assessed at a uniform rate, consistent with the annual per capita cost of maintaining and educating a student.

(2) Tuition reduction. Any such tuition charge, however, may be ratably reduced in the event the nonresident student is enrolled part time and/or for less than a full school year.

(3) Annual adjustments. Nonresident tuition and fees shall be adjusted annually to reflect the actual per capita cost of education.

(4) Billing. Tuition for nonresident students shall be assessed on a quarterly basis. Quarterly payments shall be due in full prior to the first day of the quarter in which the nonresident student seeks to enroll.