Each year, WSSDA includes a law conference among the pre-conference offerings of its annual conference.
The WSSDA Law Conference brings together attorneys, school directors, superintendents, and other staff for an intensive day of timely and practical legal insights. The speakers are recognized subject-area experts with deep experience in school law and governance. The presentations are designed to help districts navigate today’s most pressing challenges.
This year’s agenda addresses the following topics:
Student Discipline Reform
Washington’s new discipline guidelines took effect this summer, just as federal executive orders demanded a review of what they label “discriminatory and unlawful equity ideology.” Districts now face the difficult task of reconciling conflicting state and federal expectations. This session will help leaders “thread the needle” with practical compliance strategies.
Special Education – Extended Services and Compliance Updates – Following litigation, Washington passed legislation in May 2025 extending special education eligibility to age 22. Districts must prepare for new financial and programmatic obligations at a time when federal funding remains uncertain. Our experts will unpack the law and its real-world impacts.
Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance
With shifting federal priorities, districts are under heightened scrutiny. The current administration has actively wielded civil rights enforcement tools to threaten funding, while Title IX guidance continues to change rapidly. Learn what this means for your district’s policies and practices.
Religious Opt-Out Rights Post-Mahmoud v. Taylor
The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2025 ruling requires districts nationwide to honor parental religious opt-out requests for curriculum. This session explores the implications and provides concrete steps for implementation.
Last year’s conference sold out, and we expect strong attendance again. Join us on Thursday, November 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a robust, information-packed program. Lunch will be provided.