Search

WSSDA Board Continues Strategic Planning Process

At its May meeting in Spokane, the WSSDA Board of Directors continued work on revising the association’s strategic plan. Facilitated by Berk Consulting, the board analyzed WSSDA’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats while also brainstorming potential “big ideas” to help shape the new plan. At least a couple of themes…

I’m an Executive Assistant

Welcome! Executive assistants (EAs) are essential partners in Washington school districts. This page is dedicated to supporting your important work — because when you succeed, boards succeed, and that helps students thrive. Your Role in School Board Governance Executive assistants help boards fulfill a wide range of responsibilities and ensure…

Part-Time – Learning & Development Specialist

National Award Reflects Commitment to Serving School Directors

WSSDA’s Direct newsmagazine received a 2026 Award of Excellence from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards recognize outstanding communications work from school districts and education organizations nationwide, with several awardees from Washington state. Within the magazine category, Direct earned the highest…

Registration Open for #WSSDACON 2026

Registration is open for the largest annual gathering of education policymakers in the state, the Washington State School Directors’ Association annual conference. Early-bird rates are in effect through September 25, but hotel rooms tend to fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. By the Numbers Over 1000 attendees come…

Oak Harbor Schools: Rooted in Involvement, Belonging

Oak Harbor Public Schools board members don’t put on their nametags every other Monday night and coast through the school board meetings. Rather, they live the role 24/7. They visit with students, volunteer in classrooms, and attend school events

Every Voice at General Assembly Helps Shape What Comes Next for WSSDA Advocacy

WSSDA’s General Assembly is one of the most important school board events of the year, and the opportunities to engage before, during, and after the event serve as your board’s direct connection to shape the advocacy work of the association. Taking place in the fall, this event is when school…

Censure and Reprimand

There are multiple ways for a board to address problems within their body. Some of these include: Internal Board Actions The board can issue formal reprimands, censure the director, or remove them from specific committee assignments. While the board cannot remove an elected director from office, these actions serve as…

Vacancy and Absence

RCW 28A.343.370 governs what happens when there’s a vacancy on the school district’s board of directors. If there is a vacancy, the following must occur: Remaining members appoint a qualified person by majority vote within 90 days. If fewer than a majority remain, the ESD board appoints enough to form…

Abstaining and Dissent

Directors may abstain from voting. Their abstention or dissent is recorded in the minutes but does not invalidate board action. A dissenting member generally does not sign off on items they opposed, unless district policy requires otherwise