Member Services

WSSDA has three branches:

• Policy & Legal Services
• Strategic Advocacy
• Leadership Development

The branches provide valuable services, resources and supports to school boards across the state. While most are offered at no charge, a handful of services are fee-based in order to help WSSDA meet its operating expenses. Have a look below to see what WSSDA can do for your board.

Legal Resources

We answer questions, provide school law guidebooks and can refer you to legal professionals who are members of the Counsel of School Attorneys (COSA).

Policy Review

We offer three levels of service within policy review. You select the scope of work you’d like us to do.

Fee-based service

Policy & Legal News

Stay current with emerging policy issues through WSSDA’s flagship policy publication.

Fee-based service

Policy Resources

Reflecting state law and input from school districts, we offer selected model policies and procedures as a resource for all Washington school districts.

Policy Customization

This service is for districts who would like to customize policy language beyond the WSSDA model language to address their own unique needs.

Fee-based service

Legal/Policy Advocacy

Actively engaged with stakeholders, we participate in rule making and monitor issues before the courts to represent the unique concerns of school boards.

Model Policy Online

Access WSSDA’s Model Policy Manual online 24/7. Each policy has hyperlinks to cross-referenced policies, legal references and management resources.

Fee-based service

Legislative Positions & Priorities

Each year, school directors work together in setting legislative positions and priorities. An assembly gives every school board the opportunity to engage in the democratic process that sets the course for WSSDA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of school districts large and small.

Bill Watch

You have access to an online list of education-related bills to help you follow them as they move through the legislative process.

Strategic Outreach

You’ll get help to set up regular meetings with key legislators and other important stakeholders.

Weekly Updates

When the Legislature is in session, school directors receive a weekly roundup of key legislative activity that includes resources for further examination of current issues.

Advocacy Resources and Know-How

Become familiar with the legislative process and gain the essential tools and information needed to effectively influence state and federal legislation.

End-of-Session Summary

After each legislative session, you will receive an analysis of accomplishments, additional work needed, and next steps for implementing new law.

Board Support & Consulting

Outside of contract training, our staff are freely available by phone, email, online meeting software or conference calls. Bring us your questions!

Superintendent Evaluation

WSSDA provides proven evaluation instruments and processes to support boards in their responsibility to evaluate their superintendent and encourage professional growth.

Customized In-District Trainings

These in-district workshops and retreats are especially helpful when new members join the board or the team is ready to reach a new level of effectiveness.

Fee-based service

Policy Governance© Consulting

For school boards engaged in Policy Governance©, we offer assistance with fully realizing the potential of this model of governance

Fee-based service

WSSDA Board Self-Assessment

This online, research-based tool is the only instrument of its kind in the nation that supports continuous improvement for school boards.

Boards of Distinction

Multiple levels of distinction are recognized among boards of varying district sizes that show evidence of applying the Washington School Board Standards.

Board Boot Camp

“Boot camp” is designed to get new directors ready to fully participate as effective leaders and provide a refresher to experienced directors and superintendents.

Fee-based service

Equity Toolkit

Our resources can inform your district’s policy-making. We also convene or participate in meetings, conferences or events.

OnBoard

A professional learning system designed for school directors that provides interactive learning experiences to support effective board governance.

Leadership WSSDA

Offered every other year, this program will improve your expertise and leadership capacity, yielding positive impacts on your professional and personal lives.

Fee-based service

Government to Government Partnership Supports

Partnering with the Office of Native Education and the state’s Tribal Leadership Congress on Education, we share best practices and communications tools.

eClippings

State and national headlines for the latest in K-12 education news, plus blog posts and research related to teaching and learning emailed to you daily.

Direct

More than a newsletter, the quarterly publication covers WSSDA news, topics for school boards, and ways to connect and engage with fellow directors.

On Call

Our school PR publication provides timely, ready-to-use new items and professional advice on how to engage the community, inform parents and motivate staff

Fee-based service

Trust Lands Support & Advocacy

We work with state partners to navigate policy issues, and ensure that trust land revenues are maximized to benefit school district construction needs.

Federal Relations Network (FRN)

Participants in NSBA’s FRN legislative program engage with WA state’s congressional delegation in D.C., by email or phone throughout the year.

BuyBoard

Developed to comply with state laws, BuyBoard gives districts access to bulk discounts combined with the ease of online, web-based shopping.

Support for Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) Reporting

We help you remain in compliance with state regulations by sending you information you’ll need to report to the commission.

Our Kids, Our Future Website

Good news statewide gathered in one place. Stories about student success, classroom practices, professional learning, accolades for educators, and more.

BoardDocs

A tiered, cloud-based solution that helps school boards save money, time and operate more effectively.

Fee-based service

January-February

• Federal Relations Network Advocacy Institute (FRN)
• Legislative Conference and Day on the Hill

March-May

• Spring Regional Meetings

September-October

• General Assembly

November

• Law Conference
• Annual Conference
• Board Boot Camp*

*A regular feature of Annual Conference, boot camp and other workshops are also offered regionally at different times.