Leadership Development
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…
Policy & Legal
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…
Strategic Advocacy
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…
Refining WSSDA’s Advocacy Platform: An Exercise in Spring Cleaning
April 1-20, school directors are invited to “spruce up” WSSDA’s legislative and permanent positions. Together, the positions form WSSDA’s advocacy platform. To keep the platform relevant and effective, all school board members are encouraged to first review WSSDA’s positions before recommending revisions or additions…
Legislature to honor Brian Sims with resolution
WSSDA was fortunate to be able to work closely with Brian Sims. He was a colleague, mentor, and friend to WSSDA staff and school directors. Sims’ contribution to WSSDA and public education was so great that he received the Hero in Education Award at…
New responsibilities bring new opportunities
Washington state’s 1,477 school directors oversee the education of more than 1.2 million K-12 students. That is a tremendous responsibility that all of us want to fulfill as best we can. To that end, the Washington School Board Standards identify multiple areas of focus…
WSSDA offering School Finance Workshops, Board Boot Camp and more Starting in February
In February and March, WSSDA is offering workshops in person on both sides of the state and virtually. Current offerings are listed below, but more information is available at wssda.org/bootcamp and wssda.org/onboard. Introduction to the Commitment to Educational EquityFebruary 43:30-6 p.m.Spokane in-personRegister Foundations of State FundingFebruary…
The Bittersweet Joy of Recognizing a Hero in Education
For only the fifth time in its 100-year history, WSSDA presented the Hero in Education Award at the 2021 Annual Conference. Leaving behind a towering legacy, WSSDA Strategic Advocacy Consultant Brian Sims received the honor shortly before passing away last month. Before the conference,…
Get the Winter Issue of WSSDA Direct
Hard copies will reach mailboxes in the coming days. Until then, here is the electronic version of our Fall Winter 2021 issue. To see past issues, visit wssda.org/direct.
Recognizing the 1,477—January is School Board Appreciation Month
For almost 30 years, school districts nationwide have marked January as School Board Recognition Month. The purpose is to honor the people elected by communities to lead their school districts. With the arrival of 2022, a good way to start the year on a…