Adopting an online learning policy
Online learning opportunities are mushrooming in Washington, so much so that the Legislature stepped in last year to establish ground rules for online learning programs and courses. As part of this new law, school districts are required to adopt an online learning policy no later than Aug. 1 of this year. WSSDA has just published a sample policy and procedure to assist school boards in this effort. The documents and detailed background information are now available on our Web site.

New Board Orientation Workshops
Starting out on a school board can be like trying to build a snowman in a blizzard … there’s plenty of material, but it comes at you fast and from all directions. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed as you begin your school board service, WSSDA can help. We're offering a half-day new board orientation workshop at six locations around the state – three on Feb. 20 and three on Feb. 27. This is a great opportunity to get up to speed fast on the essentials of successful school board service. For details and online registration, visit the WSSDA Web site.

School funding lawsuit decision Thursday?
The Network for Excellent Washington Schools (NEWS) is reporting that King County Superior Court Judge John Erlick will issue a ruling in the McCleary v. State of Washington education funding lawsuit tomorrow (Thursday). Stay tuned to our Web site and Twitter feeds for updates and reaction.

WSSDA Executive Director search update
WSSDA will select a new executive director by the end of May under a timeline finalized during the WSSDA Board of Directors’ meeting last month. The search is progressing on a number of fronts, including the selection of an executive search consultant and appointment of a search committee. Learn more here.

Legislative Conference convenes this weekend
Are you signed up for WSSDA-WASA Legislative Conference? If not, now is the time. Online registration will be available through Thursday on the WASA Web site. Afterward, you’ll need to sign up at the conference. The meeting starts with presentations, regional caucuses and a reception on Sunday (Feb. 7) at the Olympia Red Lion Hotel, followed by Monday’s "Day on the Hill" to meet with your legislators. This is a critical part of our joint efforts to advocate for students and schools — be sure your district is represented.

WSSDA shares national Shannon Award honors
WSSDA is among five state school board associations selected to receive the prestigious Thomas A. Shannon Award from the National School Boards Association. The associations were honored for their collective work on the Targeting Student Learning 5-State Project, which focuses on helping school boards craft policies that directly relate to improving student achievement. Read the story here.

Sign up now for WSSDA Spring Regional Meetings
Twelve WSSDA Regional Meetings will be held around the state starting the second week in March. This is your opportunity to hear about legislative issues and education hot topics while networking with your colleagues. The schedule and online signup are now available here.

Small Schools Conference March 1-2
WSSDA Small Schools Task Force Chair Elissa Dyson (Onion Creek) has asked us to remind school directors that you are invited to attend the WASA Small Schools Conference March 1-2 in Yakima. This year’s event includes an optional mini-forum on school district consolidation, to be held at the conclusion of the conference. For details and registration, visit the WASA Web site.

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