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Leadership Development
WSSDA offers training programs, events and tools developed to maximize leadership and governance abilities for improved student learning. These services provide practical strategies and resources to help your board and superintendent function as a high-performing team. Because WSSDA is the only organization representing the…
Policy & Legal
WSSDA can help your district stay on track with the most current policies and legal developments. We offer a variety of services and publications to support effective school district governance. Free Member Services Staff members are available via telephone and email to provide timely…
Strategic Advocacy
Led by education policy professionals, WSSDA’s strategic advocacy branch exists to: WSSDA’s advocacy platform is comprised of legislative and permanent positions adopted at General Assembly that reflect the beliefs, values, and interests of Washington’s 1,477 school board members.To support all Washington school boards, WSSDA’s…
WSSDA Announces the 2023 School Boards of the Year
The Washington State School Directors’ Association has recognized the La Conner, Kelso, and Sumner-Bonney Lake School Boards as the 2023 Boards of the Year. Drawn from among 34 boards that were already recognized as Boards of Distinction, these three boards are specially recognized within…
Announcing the 2023 Boards of Distinction
The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) is proud to announce the distinguished winners of the 2023 WSSDA Boards of Distinction program. This prestigious recognition celebrates school boards across the state that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to student success. In this year’s…
Get the Fall Issue of WSSDA’s Quarterly Magazine
In this issue you’ll find a great story about one of last year’s Boards of the Year, North Thurston and their use of a Policy Governance approach; a fond farewell to WSSDA’s longest-serving staffer; insights about what a “balanced” school calendar is; and insights…
Districts Explore Balanced School Calendars to Improve Outcomes for Students
Across Washington, more than 45 school districts have studies or implementations underway for new balanced calendars that spread school breaks more evenly across the school year. The primary aims of a balanced calendar are to reduce the number of consecutive days or weeks in…
Voting for SBE, ESD, and WSSDA elections runs October 1-16
October 1 marks the opening of voting by school directors in elections for the boards of Educational Service Districts (ESDs), the State Board of Education (SBE), and the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). Elected positions on some WSSDA committees are also up for…
Belonging, engagement, and student success — Learn more on Sept 12
On September 12, the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) is offering a virtual learning experience for school directors titled Advancing Inclusion through Belonging. But act fast, because registration closes Sunday night. “Advancing Inclusion is one of my favorite OnBoard workshops to facilitate,” said…
Declare your candidacy by September 16
The candidate filing window is open for the State Board of Education, Educational Service District, and Washington State School Directors’ Association elections! The window will close at 5 p.m. on September 16. The filing form can be found on all of the elections pages,…