General Assembly is one of the most important school board events of the year, and every board is strongly encourage to participate. By voting on legislative and permanent positions, the assembly is where school boards update WSSDA’s advocacy platform. Once all voting is finished and positions adopted, the platform that results will guide all of WSSDA’s advocacy efforts until the next assembly.
September 20, 2025
The 2025 assembly will be a fully virtual event.
At 8 a.m., there will be a presentation that explains how the assembly plays a key role in WSSDA’s year-round advocacy efforts and what happens with the results of the assembly voting.
At 9 a.m., official business will begin.
New this year, the assembly will be limited to one day, concluding when all proposals have received a vote.
This year, delegates will need to use Zoom and a web browser. In the Zoom webinar:
When a delegate elects to speak, they will be promoted within Zoom to “panelist.” (This may cause the Zoom window to momentarily vanish and reappear.)
That allows them to unmute and turn on their camera.
When finished, the speaking delegate will be demoted to viewer.
In the web browser, delegates will initiate voting, entering the speaker’s queue and other actions. (The voting platform is called “VVoter.”)
On August 29, every school board chair/president and legislative representative on record with WSSDA will receive an email with two links for their board’s participation in the assembly:
a unique delegate Zoom link
a unique voting platform link
The links are unique for each board, but they can be shared within a board so different members can take turns acting as the delegate.
Technical Support and Tips
All questions or help requests should go to assembly@wssda.org. Prior to the event, delegates should ensure they have the latest version of Zoom and their browser installed. General recommendations include:
Use a laptop or desktop. A larger screen makes it much easier to manage the Zoom window (for viewing and addressing the assembly) and the browser window (for voting, requesting to speak, and other actions).
Use the Google Chrome web browser, if possible. In testing, the voting platform seemed to perform best in Chrome or Safari. Microsoft Edge did not work as smoothly.
Close your browser window when you’re done acting as your board’s delegate.
Voting is by Board
Each school board in the state can appoint one of its members to cast a vote on behalf of their school board. While some boards may select their “leg rep” or board chair, the ability to vote can go to anyone on a board and even transfer to another board member during the event to ensure that board’s ability to continue participating in the assembly. So, while the entire board may participate, only one member may cast a vote on any given proposal.
Platform Revision Timeline for 2025
Planning and preparation for 2025 have only just begun. Specific details will be added below as the process moves forward.
January – December School boards regularly discuss WSSDA positions and consider proposing a revision to WSSDA’s advocacy platform when the window opens in April.
February
Explanation of the platform revision process during Leg Rep Network webinars.
March – April School boards take action at a board meeting to finalize and approve any proposal they intend to submit. Use the proposal checklist to inform your actions.
April 1 Window opens for WSSDA platform revision proposals.
April 30 at Midnight Window closes for WSSDA platform revision proposals.
May – June Staff organize and forward proposals to the appropriate standing committee.
May Legislative and Resolutions Committees review proposals.
July 1 Pre-amendments version of the General Assembly handbook published online
August 1 Amendment proposal window for permanent and legislative position proposals opens. (Amendment Proposal Form)
August 7 Amendment proposal window for permanent and legislative position proposals closes
August TBD Informal conference committee meetings (scheduled if necessary)
August 18 Post-amendments (final) version of General Assembly handbook posted online
September 8-11 Caucus Week: four different caucuses will hold an online gathering via Zoom.
September 20 General Assembly, where boards vote on proposals to revise WSSDA’s platform. New for 2025, the assembly will be limited to one day, concluding when all proposals have received a vote.
Post-Assembly Boards review revised platform and prioritize WSSDA positions.
October Legislative priorities announced.
October – December Begin sharing priorities with legislators.
January 2026 Incorporate WSSDA positions and priorities into your legislative session advocacy.
Getting Ready for Assembly
About the Assembly
Jump to sections in the video to hear school directors answer:
0:04 – Why is it important to attend the WSSDA General Assembly?
2:06 – Why is it important for small school districts to attend General Assembly?
