General Assembly

Download the Final 2025 General Assembly Handbook. The final version of the handbook includes amendment proposals submitted during the during the August 1-7 amendment window. Emergency Position Proposals, per operating policy, are accepted from September 2 until 3 p.m. on September 10.

About the Event

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.

Watch the Non-Delegate’s Broadcast

Delegate Participation

For 2025, delegates will need to use Zoom for speaking and a web browser to request to speak, vote, or take other actions. Separating Zoom from the voting platform should provide the smoothest possible experience for delegates who wish to address the virtual assembly. Visit our delegates webpage to learn how to prepare and participate during the assembly.

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

Video Poster

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?

4:47 – How do you prepare for General Assembly?

6:53 – What is your advice for first-time attendees?

8:44 – What is your favorite thing about General Assembly?

Other Resources

General Assembly & OPMA

Questions?

Email assembly@wssda.org