What is WSSDA and What are a Director’s Roles and Responsibilities — Jan. 15
In this opening session of the New Director Network for 2026, we’ll make some introductions, give an overview of WSSDA and the abundance of resources, tools and supports we offer. We’ll also take a quick tour of the WSSDA website, annual event schedule, and go over the roles and responsibilities of a school board.
Meetings and OPMA — Feb. 19
Through lens of the Open Public Meetings Act, we’ll go over the various components of board meetings: the agenda, public comment, the purpose of different types of meetings, and give a quick overview of Robert’s Rules.
Mission, Vision, Goals, and Strategic Planning — March 19
In this meeting of the New Director Network we talk about strategic plans. We’ll explore the board’s role and introduce you to WSSDA’s strategic planning workshop and consultation services.
Financial Oversight — April 16
We’ll explore the board’s role in district budgeting. We look at the various components, financial reports, values-based budgeting, fiscal responsibility, and budget approval.
Community Engagement and Advocacy — May 21
We’ll talk about working with parents, staff, students, and constituents, and representing your community’s interests.
Policies and Procedures —June 18
We’ll talk about the board’s responsibilities around policies and procedures, give an overview of WSSDA’s model policy development and revision, and WSSDA’s policy and legal services.
Summer break (no webinar) — July
Summer break (no webinar) — August
Superintendent Evaluation — Sept. 17
In this meeting of the New Director Network, we’ll discuss the importance of superintendent evaluation, approaches for relationship-building and professional growth, and introduce the superintendent evaluation models that WSSDA offers.
Monitoring District Performance and Annual Conference Preparation — Oct. 15
We’ll go over how to interpret student outcome data, opportunity gaps, and other data types. We’ll practice a sample data review and brainstorm questions a board might want to ask about the data. Last, we’ll talk about getting ready for the biggest school board learning and networking event of the year: the WSSDA Annual Conference.
New Director Network Reception at WSSDACON — Nov. 19
We’ve loved getting to know newly elected board members virtually throughout the year. We hope you can all join us for this final in-person gathering to celebrate your first year of service! Get more info on the conference’s agenda.
Winter break (no webinar) — December
