Legislative Session Week 10
We are more than halfway done with the 2021 session. Proposals for our state’s three budgets (operating, transportation, and construction) will be unveiled next week. The Washington State Wire released this insightful piece about the complexities of the budget process. You can also stay up-to-date by…
Proposal Window opens March 15
Once a year, school board members have the opportunity to submit proposals to amend existing positions or create new ones. The 2021 window for submitting proposals opens March 15 and closes May 14. Learn more about WSSDA positions. Here’s the approximate 2021 timeline from proposal to adoption: March…
Register for OnBoard Today
WSSDA’s virtual OnBoard is building skilled leaders and effective boards. Registration is open and limited, so register today! Have you heard of OnBoard? OnBoard is an interactive learning experience designed for both individual school directors and board-superintendent teams. OnBoard’s aim is to help school…
Building skilled leaders and effective school boards
School directors consistently report that WSSDA’s free board self-assessment survey, is “useful for goal setting” and “a great way to grow.” “Results from the self-assessment help boards dig into the critical issues that can sometimes hold boards back. By examining how they rate their…
Board Members: Sign Up to Meet With Your Legislators
Week on the Hill planning meetings begin Monday, March 8. Sign up for your planning meeting and prepare to meet with your legislators! Week on the Hill: Planning Meetings Prepare for meeting legislators by gathering your thoughts and networking with colleagues. We’ve organized planning…
Large Schools Caucus Meets Tuesday, March 9
Prepare for Week on the Hill legislator meetings by attending the Large Schools Caucus taking place Tuesday, March 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. In conjunction with the WSSDA-WASA-WASBO Legislative Conference, each year, we organize meetings with legislators, planning meetings, and various caucus meetings. The Large…
Equity and Access Caucus Meets Monday, March 8
Prepare for Week on the Hill legislator meetings by attending the Equity and Access Caucus taking place Monday, March 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. In conjunction with the WSSDA-WASA-WASBO Legislative Conference, each year, we organize meetings with legislators, planning meetings, and various caucus meetings. All…
Legislative Session Week Eight: Bill Highlights
This week, WSSDA has a list of bills that our members may be interested in tracking. If you or your district would like to provide input, you can do so in a variety of ways. Learn more about how to participate in the legislative process! Flexibility…
Tips for Effective Advocacy From Director Sara Betnel
WSSDA regularly asks school directors to share insights on various topics as a way for board members to learn from one another’s experience. Below are some tips for successful advocacy work plus the following example of engaging with lawmakers during a legislative session. Sara Betnel…
Legislative Session Week Seven: Bill Highlights and Preparing for Week on the Hill
Student well-being is one of WSSDA’s consistent legislative priorities. Furthermore, WASA, WSSDA, and WASBO identified this issue as one of three “hot topics” for the upcoming legislator meetings during “Week on the Hill.” In our interview with Representative Callan (below), we talked about several bills that expand on…