Leadership WSSDA

Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, the Leadership WSSDA program has shaped over 200 school directors into stronger leaders. Designed for school directors with at least two years of experience, Leadership WSSDA helps participants deepen their personal and professional capacity for leadership.

Participants will enjoy highly engaging, place-based learning that connects them with state and local leaders. Graduates of the program have become leaders at the state level themselves, serving on WSSDA committees, the WSSDA Board of Directors, and even in the Legislature. Ten graduates have gone on to become WSSDA presidents.

Take Your Leadership to the Next Level

The Leadership WSSDA program provides the time and framework to examine today’s most important education issues with other experienced school board members. There is very little lecture time. Participants will be up and moving, engaging with each other in one-on-one discussions, group activities, and actively learning. The curriculum may also include reading articles and books between classes to enrich discussion around current education and leadership topics.

For Experienced Board Members

Leadership WSSDA is for school directors with at least two years of school board experience. Those with fewer than two years on their board are not eligible to apply for this program. Instead, newer school board members are encouraged to participate in WSSDA’s Board Boot Camp and OnBoard professional learning opportunities. Also, serving on a WSSDA committee is a great way to build experience.

Apply now through January 5, 2026

For the program to run, we will need a full cohort of 15 participants.

2026 Schedule and Topics

Participants will enjoy visits by expert speakers and field trips to facilitate in-depth learning. School directors admitted to the program will need to commit to all five sessions, though exceptions could occur in rare circumstances.

The program starts with two sessions that lay a foundation for thinking and learning about leadership together, and then we travel to new locations around the state for our third and fourth sessions. Our final session is at Annual Conference.

Each session starts midday on a Thursday and concludes midday on Friday:

Leadership Defined
February 12-13
At the WSSDA office and Capitol Campus in Olympia

Leadership for Influence
March 19-20
At the Lacey Hampton Inn & Suites and OSPI in Olympia

Leadership for All
May 28-29
Location TBD

Leadership for Change
September 24-25
Location TBD

Leadership for Life & Graduation from the Program
November 18
At the 2026 WSSDA Annual Conference

Tuition

The tuition of $1,500 covers the cost to run the program plus meals and snacks to keep participants energized. Tuition does not include the cost of travel and lodging.

Most school districts fully or partially cover the costs for school directors to participate in Leadership WSSDA as part of their investment in the board’s professional development. Scholarships may be available for those whose school district does not fund their participation.

Refunds

If a registrant suddenly becomes unable to participate, half of tuition (50%) is refundable following the first session and prior to the second session. After the second session, no refunds will be given.

What our Graduates Say

I learned so much from stories and experiences shared by my fellow class members. It was also an affirmation of my growth realizing that I had experiences and knowledge to share as well.

The most valuable aspect of Leadership WSSDA was the relationships built during our time together. They have had a lasting impact on me.

The guest speakers were a most special treat, as they had a tremendous wealth of knowledge and wisdom from decades of experience to share.

Leadership WSSDA has value for everyone, whether you’ve been a director for two years or twenty.  One of the most encouraging things for me was to learn that other districts face problems similar to the ones we have in our district, and to share solutions together.

The greatest benefit for me was the connections I made with education leaders from all over the state. When I have a question or need information, I have an experienced and knowledgeable resource base from which to draw.

Contact

Dr. Heather Curl
Director of Leadership Development
360-890-5781