The Role of Legislative Representatives

Length of Service

Each school board can designate the length of time for a member to serve as a legislative representative (leg rep). It is suggested that a member serve no less than two years in order to grow within the role.

Time Commitment

The amount of time needed to effectively serve as a legislative representative is variable depending on the expectations of the board and the interest of the representative. Based on discussions with current legislative representatives, the estimated time commitment is up to 20 hours/month.

Responsibilities

As outlined in WSSDA’s Operating Policy 2051, the suggested responsibilities of a legislative representative are to:

• Review WSSDA position proposals with their board prior to the annual General Assembly.
• (It may be appropriate to schedule a special meeting for reviewing proposals to allow sufficient time for discussion of the issues.)
• Provide legislative updates periodically at their board meetings. Some boards establish a standing legislative representative update on their board meeting agendas.
• Share information from WSSDA publications and communications.
• Coordinate their board’s efforts to propose new WSSDA positions or amendments to existing positions. This discussion can happen as October the preceding year.
• Represent their board at state level meetings (e.g., the General Assembly, the Olympia Legislative Conference, and any area or regional workshops).
• Contact and communicate with legislators when legislative issues require it. • Monitor legislative developments at both the state and federal levels.
• Engage in year-round advocacy efforts.