Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors Handbook
If you are new to the school board, congratulations and welcome to one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities in the country!
Membership and service on a local school board is considered to be one of the highest acts of citizenship in our American democracy. It offers qualified citizens an opportunity to promote the interests of education and thereby the welfare of the community and the nation.
Becoming a school board member is a huge undertaking, but we know that you have the tools and passion needed to make a difference for the children of Walla Walla Public Schools!
This information is a reference guide for you as you wade through the roles, standards, and responsibilities of your new role.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Meetings
- School Board Structure, Technology & Travel
- Finances
- Laws & Regulations
- Key Policies & Procedures
Overview
History of Governing Public Schools
Governing our public schools is one of the most important responsibilities a citizen can undertake. School board members work on behalf of all the families in their community, with fellow board members and with other community partners, to ensure that each student has equitable and ample opportunities to reach their greatest potential.
Before going further, let's clarify some terminology. School board members in Washington state are officially called school directors, as defined in statute (RCW 28A.343.300) and make up the governing body board of directors - in each school district.
Being a school director can be demanding, and requires those who serve to struggle with complex issues and difficult choices. However, local school board service is also rewarding, as you watch students achieve and graduate from our schools with promising futures. By contributing your time and talents, you are helping create a positive future for the children of Walla Walla.
As an elected board member, the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) is the association that supports you and your fellow members across the state.
This guide provides the basics for successful local school board governance and outlines the roles and responsibilities of school boards.
Roles of the School Board & Superintendent
1620 Policy - The Board-Superintendent Relationship
The successful operation of schools requires a close, effective working relationship between the board and the superintendent. The relationship must be one of trust, good will, and candor. As the legally designated governing body, the board retains final authority within the district. The board exercises those powers that are expressly required by law and those implied by law. The superintendent is the executive officer of the board who advises and makes recommendations to the board and to whom the board delegates executive responsibility, and such powers as may be required to manage the district in a manner consistent with board policy and state and federal law.
The superintendent, as executive officer of the board, shall be responsible for the administration of the schools under applicable laws and policies of the district. The board shall delineate in procedure the duties of the superintendent and shall use them as the basis for evaluating the superintendent’s performance. Unless specifically limited, the superintendent may delegate to other staff the exercise of any powers and the discharge of any duties imposed by district policy or a vote of the board. The delegation of power or duty shall not relieve the superintendent of responsibility for the actions taken under such a delegation.
In order to perform their responsibilities, board members must be familiar with the operations within the schools. The superintendent shall establish communication procedures, which can enhance the board member's understanding of student programs and school operations.
Superintendent-Board Operating Protocols
For the purpose of enhancing teamwork among members of the board and between the board and administration, we, the members of the Walla Walla School Board, do hereby publicly commit ourselves collectively and individually to the following operating protocol:
Walla Walla School Board | The Superintendent |
GOVERNS Decides What Requests Information Considers Issues Creates, Reviews, and Adopts Policy Establishes Vision and Approves and Reviews Plans Monitors Progress Contracts with Personnel Approves Evaluation Criteria and Procedures Reviews and Approves Budget Represents Public Interests |
LEADS Decides How Seeks and Provides Information Provides Recommendations Recommends and Carries Out Policy Implements Vision and Plans Reports Progress Supervises Hiring Process and Practices Supervises and Evaluates Personnel Formulates Budget Acts in Public Interest |
1. The board will represent the needs and interests of ALL the children in our district.
2. The board will represent the needs and interests of ALL the patrons of our school district and will be a good steward of tax dollars.
3. The board will lead by example. We agree to avoid words and actions that create a negative impression of an individual, the board, or the district. While we encourage debate and differing points of view, we will do it with care and respect.
4. Communicating with and listening to parents and community members are some of the board's primary responsibilities. Providing good information to the public is essential to the operation of the district or staff. When a parent or community member expresses a concern or complaint about their child's school program or some operation of the district, board members will listen carefully to the individual, recommend that the person speak directly to the teacher or principal of the school and/or indicate to the individual that they will convey this information to the superintendent. The superintendent will contact the individual or will have the responsible party speak to them. Board members put themselves in a precarious position when they promise resolution of a situation.
5. Visiting school facilities, and communicating and listening to staff, is an important way for board members to develop a better understanding of district operations. Official school visits by board members will be carried out only under board authorization and with the full knowledge of staff, including the superintendent. Board members wishing to visit schools or classrooms for individual purposes must first route their request through the superintendent who will coordinate access.
6. The board will establish the vision, determine policies, and assure a process to address accountability. The superintendent will manage the schools.
7. Surprises to the board or the superintendent will be the exception, not the rule. Should a board member have a new topic to discuss, or a grievance or other concern, that board member is to confer with the superintendent and board president, where consideration will be given to place the matter on the agenda for future discussion.
8. The superintendent is the chief executive officer and should recommend, propose, or suggest on most matters before the board.
9. To be efficient and effective, long board meetings will be avoided. If a board member needs more information, either the superintendent or the board president is to be contacted before the meeting. Audience input will be encouraged at board meetings and appropriate protocol for receiving the input is in place. The citizens’ comment section of the board meeting is to provide community members an opportunity to address the board about the general operations of the district. During this time, board members listen attentively, perhaps take notes then, if necessary, either the board president or the superintendent indicates that the speaker's issue will be researched and/or a response will be made by the superintendent.
10. During the Board Report agenda item, board members are to relay positive information about the district, such as their involvement in associated committee work, school related activities they have attended, or productive experiences with fellow board members. The Board Report agenda is not a time for board members to air grievances/concerns, weigh in on matters that would best be discussed during report, study or action item agendas, or surprise their fellow members or staff with new topics.
11. The board will consider research, best practice, cost implications, and public input in their decision-making.
12. For decisions that have major impact on students and/or patrons, the board will use a public hearing process to gather input prior to making final decisions. Community forums are held at times on a single topic. These forums give the community at large the opportunity to be informed about the topic, to discuss the issue, and to give the board input.
13. The board will speak to the issues on the agenda. Facts and information needed from the administration will be referred to the superintendent.
14. A regular board business meeting is conducted formally, with titles, when appropriate (Director, Dr.)
15. Board members will do their homework and participate in board training opportunities. Board members are expected to read and study material received prior to the board meeting.
16. Executive sessions will be held when specific topics arise which are within the legal parameters for such closed meetings. Board members must be sensitive to the legal ramifications and confidentiality of executive session meetings.
17. As school directors of the Walla Walla School District, board members belong to the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) and adhere to the WSSDA Washington School Board Standards (https://wssda.org/member-services/governance-resources/washington-school-board-standards/).
18. Board members understand that board members individually do not have authority. Only the board as a whole has authority. Board members agree that individual board members will not take unilateral action. The Walla Walla School District Board of Directors conducts its meetings using Roberts Rules of Order. A quorum is three board members. The board members only have authority when acting in a scheduled public board meeting.
19. New board members assume office at the first board meeting following official certification of their election. Election of officers will occur annually at the December meeting during a non-election year or after the new board members have taken office in an election year.
20. The board president or their designee will be the spokesperson pertaining to official board correspondences and the superintendent or their designee will serve as the spokesperson for official district correspondences.
21. Once a final decision has been made on a proposal by board vote/action, board members and the superintendent will publicly support the implementation of the decision, individually and collectively.
The five main bodies of work that school boards are responsible for are:
1. Mission, Vision, Goals: Strategic Plan and annual goals for progress monitoring.
2. Finance: Oversight, bond and levy authorization, and annual and 5-year budget adoption.
3. Community Engagement: Being visible and available to the community.
4. Policy: Providing input and adoption of school policies.
5. Hire and evaluate the Superintendent: Using the Strategic Plan to establish clear goals in which the superintendent will be accountable for implementing.
The Board's most critical role is to hire a superintendent and to monitor the leader's performance in meeting the goals of the organization. As the CEO, the Superintendent's role is to make the decisions necessary to achieve the goals as established by the Board and to be responsible for those decisions and the outcomes.
A formal evaluation of the Superintendent is conducted annually. This evaluation is comprised of:
- Performance based on professional standards for the superintendency established by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and NSBA.
- Measures the success of the superintendent's action plan towards attaining mutually-established performance goals.
It is the responsibility of the Board President to initiate the annual review and complete the final report no later than March 15. See (Policy 1630).
The Superintendent's employment contract is reviewed annually as part of the annual evaluation. State law does not allow for contracts longer than three (3) years (per RCW 28A.330.100(1) and RCW 28A.400.010). Nonetheless, a typical practice is to annually renew the contract after satisfactory review of the Superintendent so that the contract has a rolling three-year term.
Induction & Development of New Board Member
WSSDA Annual Conference in November
The elected school board members are sworn in at the first regular meeting in December; however, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) allows successful, unopposed candidates to attend the November WSSDA (Washington State School Directors Association) Conference in place of the retiring board member. New board members are strongly recommended to attend the special pre-conference sessions on the first day of the WSSDA Conference that are designed to provide basic knowledge of the functioning of the state education system. During the next two days of the conference, courses especially helpful for new board members are marked to create a pathway to acquire helpful skills and knowledge.
The conferences provide time away from local school board business for board members to interact informally, become better acquainted, and build understanding and trust, thereby creating a new cohesive team around the new board members.
Open Government Training – Course Requirement
There are two types of required training that each school board member must receive.
1. Every school director must complete training on the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), Public Records Act (PRA) and record retention within 90 days of taking the oath of office following appointment or election. Courses are available through the Attorney General's office and as a pre-conference workshop at the WSSDA Annual Conference in the fall.
2. In July 2021, Senate Bill 5044 became law, requiring cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion training for Washington State's K-12 public school educators, district leaders, and school directors.
School Board Governance
Operational Governance Policies
Operational Governance Policies (OGPs) are derived from the WSSDA Board Operating Policies - 1000 Series. This is a comprehensive list of standardized operating policies based on Washington State law or regulations. The Superintendent and staff support the Board in updating these policies.
Board Code of Conduct & School Board Communications
Communications with the Media
• As the designated spokesperson of the Board by policy, only the Board President or the Superintendent/Designee should respond to questions when media seeks comment from the Board.
• For district response, the Board President will refer the media to the Superintendent or the Director of Communications for consistent messaging.
• When expressing their opinions on matters or events affecting the district, board members should clarify they are speaking for themselves, not for the Board as a whole. They should support and explain Board votes, not undermine them, even if they opposed the decision.
Communicating with other Board Members or the Superintendent
• Board member-to-board member two-way communication by any means is permissible; however, see the restrictions and recommendations below.
• Board members should refrain from emailing all board members at one time to limit any actual or perceived violations of the Open Public Meetings Act. Informational emails are permissible, but the email should clearly state that responses are to be sent to the sender only; never "reply all." Emails that need to go to the entire Board may also be forwarded to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, the exception being scheduling questions for which "responding all" for expediency sake is appropriate.
• Board members should use only their district-issued email accounts for all district- and board related communications and not personal emails.
• Board members should communicate directly only with the Superintendent. Communications with other district staff should be handled through the Superintendent.
• A board member may have occasion to communicate with district staff in his or her role as a parent or a member of an outside organization. In this case, the board member should use a personal email account rather than a district account, and should make clear that the communication is not school board related.
Meetings
Board Business Meetings & Expectations
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)
Board decisions occur only by majority vote of a quorum of three or more members in a regularly advertised open public meeting. Three or more board members meeting face-to-face or electronically outside of a regularly scheduled public meeting to discuss board business is a violation of the OPMA.
Regular Board (Business) Meetings
Business meetings are typically held on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. (4:00 p.m. during June & July), in the District Office boardroom, and regular attendance is expected. The Board welcomes public comments during Regular Board Business Meetings.
Regular Board (Study) Meetings
Study Meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month (except there are no study meetings scheduled in December, January, April, July and August) at 5:30 p.m., in the District Office boardroom. Study Meetings are open to the public, but the public may only observe, not ask questions or give public input. No board action is conducted and regular attendance is expected.
Notice of Absences
A board member should notify the Board President and/or the Superintendent of anticipated or unplanned absences from any board event.
Excessive Absences
All absences from regular board meetings are treated as unexcused absences, although a majority of the Board may excuse a board member's absence from a meeting if the absence is for reasons other than illness or active or training military duty, and if requested to do so. The current RCW 28A.343.390 allows for the removal of a board member after four (4) consecutive unexcused absences from regular board meetings. If a board member has four consecutive unexcused absences, the Board will decide regarding the removal of a board member on a case-by-case basis.
Agenda
The agenda for a school board meeting is available to the Board on the Friday afternoon preceding a Tuesday board meeting.
Addressing Questions
If a board member has a question about a specific item on the agenda, they should contact the Board President and the Superintendent ahead of the board meeting.
• The goal is to have legitimate questions thoughtfully considered and answered in the meeting or, for clarifying questions or background information, to allow the Superintendent time to email all board members with the requested information prior to the meeting.
• It is improper for board members to engage in "gotcha" questioning regarding district operations, including asking about individual personnel matters.
Consent Agenda Items, Clarifying Questions
While board members may send informational questions on these items ahead of the board meeting, it is generally understood the consent agenda items are routine operating items of the district, under the purview of the superintendent and the administration, and not topics that involve board discussion. Any item which appears on the consent agenda may be removed on request by a member of the board and placed on the regular agenda. If a board member intends to remove a consent agenda item, they should contact the Board President and Superintendent ahead of the meeting so that fellow members are apprised.
Meeting Preparation
It is expected that each and every board member will have read and gained a sufficient level of understanding regarding the items on the board agenda before attending a board meeting. While this does not preclude robust discussions and questions at a board meeting, it does place responsibility on each board member to come to meetings prepared (1-3 hours required) and to reach out to the Superintendent ahead of the meeting with their questions or concerns.
Treatment of the Audience
Members of the public who have signed up to address the board are allotted up to three minutes each at regular business meetings. Personal complaints about district personnel are discouraged. Board members are expected to listen attentively but the Board does not respond to public input. The Board President acknowledges the speaker and may direct concerns to the Superintendent without establishing dialog.
Rules of Order
The Board follows Robert's Rules of Order.
Retreats
Retreats are scheduled, typically twice per year, often in January and in July/August. They are open to the public, but the public may only observe, not ask questions nor give public input. No board action takes place. The agenda is set by the Board President with input from other board members and the Superintendent. Board attendance is expected.
Executive Sessions
Executive Sessions (RCW 42.30.110) are advertised but closed to the public and are usually connected to a business meeting or held as a special meeting.
Legal stipulations (Open Public Meetings Act and WSSDA Open Public Meetings Publication):
• Several allowed topics, commonly real estate considerations, contracts, and personnel matters.
• Start & finish documented in brief open sessions. Minutes give generic topic only.
• For deliberation and discussion only. Votes must be taken in subsequent public session.
• All discussion and specific topics must be kept confidential, including from friends and family members.
Quasi-Judicial Hearings
Occasionally the Board will hear an appeal in a quasi-judicial hearing.
Exempt Meetings
The board need not provide public notice or public access when it is gathering for collective bargaining sessions, grievance meetings, or discussions on the interpretation or application of a collective bargaining agreement. The same is true of gatherings to plan or adopt positions or strategies for collective bargaining, professional negotiations, grievance or mediation proceedings, or for reviewing counterproposals.
Special Events
School board members are strongly encouraged to attend special events such as the District All Staff Back to School Meeting, High School Graduation Ceremonies, Ground Breakings and New Facilities Dedications during the school year. These experiences are personally rewarding and demonstrate to our students, staff and the community the board's level of commitment and support.
Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) Regional Meetings
These meetings take place twice per year, in the evening with a meal, for 2-3 hours. They provide professional development opportunities, including an update from the staffs of WSSDA, followed by an open discussion among all participants. Board attendance is encouraged.
In Washington State, there are 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools. School districts are divided into regions. Walla Walla Public Schools is located in WSSDA Region 11, comprising 23 school districts within the Educational Service District 123.
WSSDA Annual Conference
This conference is held during the week before Thanksgiving, for 2-3 days. The site alternates between Seattle/Bellevue and Spokane, with special pre-conference sessions for new board members on the first day. This is the premier in-state educational and networking event for school directors and superintendents. All board members, student board representatives, and the Superintendent are strongly encouraged to attend.
WSSDA 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.
Annual Legislative Conference
This conference is held in Olympia (for two days, Sunday-Monday, in January) during the current Legislative session. It is sponsored by Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) and Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO). The conference involves educational updates from legislators, the Governor, OSPI, and the three sponsoring professional associations as well as advocacy time with our 16th District Legislators in their offices. All board members and the Superintendent are strongly encouraged to attend.
Meetings & Contact with the Public
Official Channels for Contact
If a board member receives an individual email from a staff, parent, or community member to their district account, the board member should *reply and cc the Superintendent and Board President, if appropriate, or forward to the Superintendent and Board President for assistance with a response.
*example response: ''Thank you for your email. I will forward this to our school board president and superintendent for their response." ·
Individual board members have district-provided email addresses listed in the School Board Profiles on the district website.
Unofficial Channels
Unofficial channels are those not provided by the district (i.e., your personal email).
If you are contacted through your private email, these email communications about the district should be forwarded to your district email first and replied to through your district email address. This allows for the retention of records through the district, not your private computer. (See Public Records Act) Any email or text messages relating to school board business can be requested by a member of the public. If you use your personal computer or cell phone for these purposes, they are subject to a Public Records Request search.
Suggested Protocol for Interaction
Listen attentively and make no promises to intervene. Encourage interaction at the lowest level, starting with the classroom teacher, next Principal, Director, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. Report concerns to the Superintendent.
School Board Structure, Technology & Travel
Board Officers & Committees
Board President & Vice President
At the first regular meeting at which newly elected and certified board members are seated in election years and at the first regular meeting in December in non-election years, the board will elect from among its members a president and a vice-president to serve one year terms. The duties of the Board President include being the spokesperson for the Board as a whole, presiding over board meetings, establishing board meeting agendas in conjunction with the Superintendent, planning retreats, appointing a mentor for any newly appointed or elected board member, and leading the Superintendent's evaluation and annual performance review.
Legislative Representative
A legislative representative serves as the board's liaison with the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) on legislative issues. The legislative representative will be elected from among the board members at the annual organizational meeting in December in even numbered years and will serve for a period of two years. The legislative representative will represent the board at WSSDA’s General Assembly, conveying local views and concerns to that body. When appropriate, the legislative representative obtains their board’s support for a legislative proposal to be submitted to the Assembly and supporting it at the Assembly. The legislative representative will monitor proposed school legislation, and provide legislative updates periodically at board meetings. Additionally, they will build relationships with local policy makers regarding WSSDA’s legislative positions and priorities.
Official Board Committees
Occasionally the Board may formally establish a Board Committee consisting of board members and others. Official Board committees ordinarily will assist the Board by preparing policy alternatives, implications and recommendations for board deliberations. However, a two-person work group of board members (sometimes referred to as a sub-committee) is not considered a Board Committee.
Board Technology Use
All board members are provided a Walla Walla Public Schools District email address for all school board related communication to better comply with the state Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act and records retention law and rules.
Board members should use only their district-issued email accounts for all district and board related communications and not personal email accounts for these purposes.
Board Travel, Reimbursement & Compensation
Board members are reimbursed for travel to out of town meetings and conferences. A district-issued credit card (sometimes referred to as a p-card) may be used in lieu of travel reimbursement. Please coordinate with the Superintendent and Executive Assistant in advance of all travel. Reimbursed meals will not include alcoholic beverages. Itemized receipts of all expenses must be turned in. If a board member drives to an out of town meeting, they may submit the mileage and be reimbursed at the standard mileage rate. The Executive Assistant will assist board members in completing and submitting the reimbursement form. A board member has the right to waive all reimbursement.
Finances
In addition to state funding, school districts receive funding from the federal government, local taxes, and other miscellaneous sources. The contribution from each source is broken down below. The budget of Walla Walla Public Schools is comprised of five funds: General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Debt Service Fund, Associated Student Body Fund and Transportation Vehicle Fund. For more details, see the most recent District Budget Report on our Business Office website.
Fund Categories
GeneraI Fund
The General Fund is the largest and most important of the five funds. This fund provides for the daily operations of the district. This fund is utilized to provide for teaching and support activities; basic, special, vocational, multi-language learners, remedial, and highly capable education; library; counseling; and health-related services. It is also used to finance support services, including transportation, food services, custodial services, building maintenance, utilities, insurance, printing, information systems, and warehousing distribution. The remainder of the General Fund expenditures provides leadership/administrative service support to instructional and operational programs. These support services include school principals, instructional and operational supervision, human resources, accounting, payroll, auditing, legal, communications, and superintendent office support.
Capital Projects Fund
The Capital Projects Fund is used to finance and pay for capital improvements. These include land acquisition, new construction, and major improvements to existing facilities. This is usually financed by the sale of bonds, state construction assistance revenues, interest earnings, impact fees, and special levies.
Debt Service Fund
The Debt Service Fund accounts for the accumulation of resources for the payment of the principal and interest on bonds sold to fund capital improvements in the Capital Projects Fund.
Associated Student Body (ASB) Fund
The Walla Walla Public Schools students have organized associated student bodies at Walla Walla High School and Lincoln High School. The financial resources of the ASB Fund are for optional non-credit extracurricular events of a cultural, social, recreational, or athletic nature.
Transportation Vehicle Fund
The Transportation Vehicle Fund accounts for the purchase, major repair, and related debt service incurred for school buses.
Laws & Regulations
Key Washington State Laws & Regulations Impacting School Boards (RCW & WAC)
Legal Basis for School Boards
School Boards in Washington State have legal powers, duties, and responsibilities derived from state statute and regulation. Sources such as the Common School Provisions (Title 28A RCW), attorney general's opinions, regulations of the State Board of Education (Title 180 WAC), and regulations of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Title 392 WAC) delineate the legal powers, duties, and responsibilities of school boards.
Quick synopsis of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
• RCWs are statutes, or laws, passed by the State Legislature or by a vote of the people (legislative branch).
• WACs are administrative regulations, or rules, adopted by state agencies (executive branch).
• Both RCWs and WACs legally bind the district.
PDC Filing
Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) - https://www.pdc.wa.gov/
• Reporting requirements for election campaigns: Within two weeks of becoming a candidate.
• Annual Personal Financial Affairs Statement: must be completed by April 15 (Tax Day), either electronically or by mail, even if you filed the year before as a candidate.
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)
The OPMA limits board member communication, including email and text messages, concerning any district-related "action" outside of business meetings to only one-on-one, except for scheduling of meetings and conferences. Discussion among three or more board members counts as a "meeting" under the OPMA, and thus violates the OPMA unless the discussion takes place at an official and properly noticed meeting (or in a closed session not subject to the OPMA). A "meeting" under the OPMA includes email “replies to all,” among three or more board members, discussing agenda items or other district business. It also includes discussions among three or more board members in other contexts, such as in person or by phone. "Action" in this context is broadly defined as not just a vote on a motion, but the transaction of official business, including receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions.
Any board member who attends a meeting knowing that it violates the OPMA is subject to a potential personal liability of $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for a subsequent one. Reference RCW 42.30.120(1)(2).
Public Records Act
The Washington Public Records Act (PRA) under Chapter 42.56 RCW is a law designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in Washington. Anyone can request records, and a statement of purpose is not required, nor are there restrictions placed on the use of records. The PRA allows five days for records responses; board members should immediately forward all public records requests received to the district's Public Records Officer.
Any email or text messages relating to school board business can be requested by a member of the public. If you use your computer or cell phone for these purposes, they are subject to search. Furthermore, school-related electronic communication with other board members, staff, or the public must be retained for several years. For this reason, all board-related electronic communications occur on district-provided email accounts to provide archiving and ready searching for requested records.
Open Government Training Act
The Open Government Training Act, ESB 5964, requires board members to receive training in the Public Records Act, the Open Public Meetings Act, and records retention laws and rules. This mandatory training provides additional guidance on complying with the state's open government laws. New board members must receive the training within ninety days of taking office, and all board members must take refresher training at least every four years. Training is available at the November WSSDA Conference and online by the WA Attorney General Office.
Educational Equity
In July 2021, the Washington state Legislature passed Senate Bill 5044 into law, RCW 28A.343.300, requiring cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion training for Washington state’s K-12 public school educators, district leaders, and school directors. To meet legislated requirements, directors need to take two courses early in their service, then one course per subsequent term of office. The Washington State School Directors Association has a helpful website with up-to-date details and requirements of the Educational Equity Trainings.
Grounds for Censure or Removal of Board Members
Censure is an expression of Board disapproval concerning the actions of an individual member. Service as a board officer is a privilege and not a right, so board officers can be removed from their officer position by a majority vote of the Board. The Board of Directors cannot remove individuals from the Board itself except in cases of excessive absenteeism, defined as missing four consecutive board meetings. Reference: RCW 28A.343.390; see local Board Policy 1450 - Absence of a Board Member.
Conflict of Interest (RCW 42.23.030)
A conflict of interest is considered to exist whenever a board member is or may reasonably appear to be in a position to request or receive, directly or indirectly, anything of value for or on account of his or her influence as a member of the Board of Directors.
Federal Education Legislation
Federal funding includes Title I resources that support high-poverty populations.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was last reauthorized in 2004. It provides funding for special education support.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), formerly No Child Left Behind (NCLB), was re-authorized in November 2015 and is now called Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The new act provides more state control of learning and professional standards and removal of onerously punitive federal controls for missing impossibly high standards “for every child.” It provides funding for high-poverty Title I schools.
Common Core State Standards: National in scope, but not actually federally mandated, it was developed by a conference of State Governors & State Chief School Officers, including our OSPI, from 45 states & DC.
Governmental & Non-Governmental Education Agencies Supporting Public Schools
WSSDA (Washington State School Directors Association)
As defined and required by law, board members are members of the Washington State School Directors' Association. WSSDA is authorized in state law to be self-governing. This body supports professional development of board members, including advocating for public education at the state and federal levels.
WSSDA holds a delegate assembly during the annual November conference. That assembly establishes and maintains WSSDA's bylaws, adopts the association's position on non-legislative issues and approves membership dues. The school district has one voting delegate (the Legislative Representative) at that meeting and at the WSSDA General Assembly held in late September. That group establishes WSSDA’s legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
School boards may legally lobby for legislation and initiatives and join in lawsuits aimed at improved funding for public education by the state. Boards may not support individual candidates for public office. Groups to focus on in Olympia:
- Legislature: House & Senate Chairs and committee members of Education & Budget
WASA (Washington Association of School Administrators)
WASA's membership is open to all K-12 educational administrators in central office, building management, and educational agency positions. It provides professional development and promotes community and legislative support for education.
OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 public education in Washington State. Led by the State School Superintendent, OSPI Works with the state's 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools. OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is housed in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.
The state, through OSPI, supervises school district budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. The state auditor works with OSPI to audit our budget once a year, in the spring. OSPI collects data on schools and operations and is tasked with developing a school report card for each school in the state.
SBE (State Board of Education)
The mission of the State Board of Education is to lead the development of state policy, provide system oversight, and advocate for student success. The state board of education consists of sixteen members: seven members appointed by the governor; five members, including two from eastern Washington and three from western Washington, elected by the members of public school boards of directors; one member elected by approved private school boards of directors; the superintendent of public instruction; and two student representatives selected by the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL).
NSBA (National School Board Association)
NSBA represents school boards on a national level. They believe that public education is America's most vital institution. NSBA has five goals: 1) Member service culture and relationships, 2) School board leadership, 3) Advocacy, 4) Support for Public Education, and 5) Infrastructure. NSBA has a wealth of information on its website and organizes an annual conference in the spring.
Key Policies & Procedures
- 1000 Policy - Legal Status and Operation
- 1005 Policy - Key Functions of the Board
- 1310 Policy - Policy Adoption, Manuals and Administrative Procedures
- 1400 Policy - Meeting Conduct, Order of Business and Quorum
- 1400 Procedure - Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quorum
- 1420 Policy - Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda
- 1420 Procedure - Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda
- 1620 Policy - The Board-Superintendent Relationship
- 1630 Policy - Evaluation of the Superintendent