WSSDA offers training programs, events and tools developed to maximize leadership and governance abilities for improved student learning. These services provide practical strategies and resources to help your board and superintendent function as a high-performing team. Because WSSDA is the only organization representing the…
WSSDA can help your district stay on track with the most current policies and legal developments. We offer a variety of services and publications to support effective school district governance. Free Member Services Staff members are available via telephone and email to provide timely…
Led by education policy professionals, WSSDA’s strategic advocacy branch exists to: WSSDA’s advocacy platform is comprised of legislative and permanent positions adopted at General Assembly that reflect the beliefs, values, and interests of Washington’s 1,477 school board members.To support all Washington school boards, WSSDA’s…
The WSSDA strategic advocacy team has recorded many videos during the 2021 legislative session, and you can now get them all in one place! There are 20 different YouTube videos featuring WSSDA staff with school board members, students, legislators and education partners. We are excited…
Stella Keating is a Tacoma Public Schools student advocate, and the first transgender teen to ever testify to the U.S. Senate. A sixteen-year-old high school sophomore, Stella is an aspiring politician who helped launch The GenderCool Project—an awareness campaign turned movement that spotlights positive…
This afternoon, WSSDA Board President Rick Jansons and WSSDA Executive Director Tim Garchow sent a letter to the governor and Washington’s secretary of health urging them to quickly reevaluate current social distancing guidance for Washington’s schools in light of the latest recommendation by US…
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…
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…
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…
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…