The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) is piloting a process that allows school directors statewide to review a draft revised model policy and procedure and offer comments before WSSDA finalizes them. The model is 3246 Restraint and Isolation. (See the marked-up version with potential revisions underway.)
With support from the board of directors, WSSDA President Dr. Melissa Beard tasked the board’s Bylaw and Policy Review Subcommittee with developing the pilot program, in consultation with staff.
“Our goal was to develop a practical, sustainable way to give members a meaningful voice in WSSDA’s model policy development,” said committee chair and WSSDA Immediate Past President Derek Sarley. “Once the legislative session concludes, it’s a race for WSSDA’s policy development team to get all the new or revised policies out to districts before the laws take effect. This pilot balances that need with the board’s real desire to ensure members have a seat at the table when new model policies are being developed.”
The Underlying Legislation
The legislation making a revision to Model Policy 3246 necessary is ESHB 1795. Before offering comments, WSSDA encourages school board members to review the legislation carefully and, as appropriate, discuss it with fellow board members, superintendents, and district legal counsel.
The pilot program’s comment process is not an invitation to comment on the legislation. Rather, reviewing ESBH 1795 may help directors understand the requirements that must be reflected in the model policy. Please note that commenting is open only to Washington state public school board members.
Accepting Comments May 11 through May 18
At 8 a.m. on Monday, May 11th, the comment form for school board members will be available online. The form will close to comments at 8 a.m. the following Monday, May 18.
During this one-week period, each board member may submit their comments individually. The most impactful comments will focus on:
- Clarity and readability
- Feasibility of implementation
- Potential conflicts with existing rules, laws, or regulations
Because model policies and procedures must reflect enacted law, comments seeking to alter or remove statutorily required elements cannot be used to finalize the models.
After the Comment Period
After the comment window closes, WSSDA staff will review and organize all submissions. Substantive themes and recurring issues will be shared with WSSDA’s legal cadre and subject matter experts for consideration as the policy is finalized. The final model policy and procedure will be added to WSSDA’s model policy library in July.
Assessing the Pilot Program
Upon completion, WSSDA’s Bylaw and Policy Review Committee and staff will evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the pilot program. This may result in either refinements for the future or possible termination of the program. School director participation will inform the outcome.
Learn more about WSSDA model policy.