General Assembly
General Assembly is one of the most important school board events of the year. By voting on legislative and permanent positions, the assembly is where school directors 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.
The 2023 General Assembly will be a hybrid event. There will be an in-person and virtual option for participation.
September 22-23, 2023
In-person Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center
322 N Spokane Falls Ct, Spokane, WA 99201
Virtual Location:
Who Should Come?
All school directors are strongly encouraged to participate. District staff and student board representatives are also welcome, but only school directors may address the assembly and vote per WSSDA policy 1290 and procedure 1290P.
One Board, One Vote
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 Revison Timeline for 2023
- January – April
School boards regularly discuss WSSDA positions and consider proposing a revision to WSSDA’s advocacy platform when the window opens in April. - March – April
School boards take action at a board meeting to finalize and approve any proposal they intend to submit. - March 27
Webinar offered to discuss the platform revision process. (5-6 pm) - April 17
Window opens for WSSDA platform revision proposals. - May 12
Window closes for WSSDA platform revision proposals. - May 13 – 18
Staff organize and forward proposals to appropriate committee. - May – June
Legislative and Resolutions Committees review proposals. - June – August
General Assembly handbook developed to display all proposals for review before the assembly. - August 15
Handbook released. - Dates TBD
Amendment and Emergency Proposal Window. - September 22 – 23
General Assembly, where boards vote on proposals to revise WSSDA’s platform. - September 26 – October 13
Boards review revised platform and prioritize WSSDA positions. - November 1
Legislative priorities announced. - November 1 – January 10
Share priorities with legislators. - January 10, 2024
First day of legislative session. Incorporate WSSDA positions and priorities into your advocacy.
Handbook
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
Questions?
- Email assembly@wssda.org