Search

Evaluation with Intention: Supporting Superintendents and Strengthening Districts

WSSDA is excited to offer a new superintendent evaluation model. It wouldn’t have been possible without an extensive, multi-year collaboration with WSSDA consultant and former Northshore board member Amy Cast. Superintendent evaluation is one of the most important responsibilities of a school board

Planning with Purpose: How School Boards Can Turn Community Voices into a Clear Vision

This article reflects the combined experience of WSSDA staff and Mary Fertakis, former school director, WSSDA president, and current State Board of Education member. The WSSDA’s strategic planning model was developed through close collaboration with her. Strategic Planning, Uniquely for School Boards Strategic planning is often described as essential to…

Read WSSDA’s 2026 Legislative Session Summary

The 2026 legislative session wrapped up after a busy 60 days on March 12. WSSDA’s end-of-session summary captures both accomplishments and setbacks for Washington K–12, and outlines what comes next for school boards during the interim. Dive into our easy-to-read End-of-Session Summary.

Yakima’s Recipe for Success: Student Voice, Board Efficiency, and Strategic Focus

Students should not only be participants in their education, but active decision makers who shape the policies and practices that affect them.That’s a commitment by Yakima School District board members. Their priorities for equity and student success are shifting the culture toward student-driven governance and policy co-creation. WSSDA honored these…

Chimacum Board’s Persistent Focus Pays Off

With a relentless focus on engagement, the Chimacum School District has improved student attendance, academic achievement, behavior, and community support. The district nestled in the scenic Olympic Peninsula is WSSDA’s 2025 Board of the Year, Small-Sized District. ‘Relentless Focus’ Brings Results Chimacum leaders and staff credit their gains in school…

WSSDA Issues Request for Proposals for Strategic Planning Facilitation

The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) invites qualified professionals to submit proposals to facilitate a comprehensive strategic planning process for the organization. About This Opportunity WSSDA is embarking on a strategic planning process to clarify organizational priorities, strengthen services to school boards, and position the association for continued impact…

Read Our Winter 2026 Direct Newsmagazine

WSSDA Direct collects success stories from school districts around the state, recaps or promotes upcoming events, and offers insights into some of the vital practices of school boards. The hard copy with beautiful annual conference photos will arrive in school directors’ physical mailboxes soon, but until then, here’s the digital…

Beyond the Meetings: Understanding and Appreciating Your School Board

Every January, communities across the country take a moment to recognize the people who help guide and shape their local public schools: school board members. In Washington state and beyond, School Board Recognition Month offers a chance to understand what these folks do, why their work matters, and how we…

Virtual Leadership Academy Offered February 4, 5, and 7

Designed with feedback from school directors, Leadership Academy bundles professional learning opportunities into a predictable, annual schedule. With in-person (summer) and virtual (winter) offerings, this approach helps school boards effectively plan and budget their time for high-quality training experiences. Three Trainings, Four Options Board members can register for any of…

WSSDA Announces 2025 Boards of the Year

The Chimacum, Oak Harbor, and Spokane school boards have earned Board of the Year recognition from the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). These boards were selected from among a record 49 Boards of Distinction honored at the WSSDA Annual Conference. This top honor recognizes a board that has demonstrated…