Legislative Positions & Priorities

Each year, school directors work together in setting legislative positions and priorities at WSSDA’s annual Legislative Assembly. The assembly gives every school board the opportunity to engage in the democratic process that sets the course for WSSDA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of school districts large and small.

Strategic Outreach

You’ll get help to set up regular meetings with key legislators and other important stakeholders.

Advocacy Resources and Know-How

Become familiar with the legislative process and gain the essential tools and information needed to effectively influence state and federal legislation.

Weekly Updates

When the Legislature is in session, school directors receive a weekly roundup of key legislative activity that includes resources for further examination of current issues.

Bill Watch

You have access to an online list of education-related bills to help you follow them as they move through the legislative process.

End-of-Session Summary

After each legislative session,you will receive an analysis of accomplishments, additional work needed, and next steps for implementing new law.

Board Support & Consulting

Outside of contract training, our staff are freely available by phone, email, online meeting software or conference calls. Bring us your questions!

WSSDA Board Self-Assessment

This online, research-based tool is the only instrument of its kind in the nation that supports continuous improvement for school boards.

Equity Toolkit

Our resources can inform your district’s policy-making. We also convene or participate in meetings, conferences or events.

Superintendent Evaluation Models

Resulting from a 2-year collaboration between WSSDA and WASA, two models were selected and approved by our board for distribution to school districts.

Boards of Distinction

Multiple levels of distinction are recognized among boards of varying district sizes that show evidence of applying the Washington School Board Standards.

VIP Credentialing Program

Annual Conference breakout sessions grouped for new school directors, experienced directors, plus issues of current interest.

Fee-based services

Customized In-District Trainings

These in-districtworkshops and retreats are especially helpful when new members join the board or the team is ready to reach a new level of effectiveness.

Board Boot Camp

“Boot camp” is designed to get new directorsready to fully participate as effective leaders and provide a refresher to experience directors and superintendents.

Leadership WSSDA

Offered every other year, this program will improve your expertise and leadership capacity, yielding positive impacts on your professional and personal lives.

Superintendent Search

Our consultants are constantly on the alert for good candidates and follow the careers of promising administrators, particularly those located in Washington.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning services run the gamut from a simpler refresh to full development of a district plan.

Policy Governance Consulting

For school boards engaged in Policy Governance©, we offer assistance with fully realizing the potential of this model of governance.

Government to Government Partnership Supports

Partnering with the Office of Native Education and the state’s Tribal Leadership Congress on Education, we share best practices and communications tools.

Trust Lands Support & Advocacy

We work with state partners to navigate policy issues, and ensure that trust land revenues are maximized to benefit school district construction needs.

Support for Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) Reporting

We help you remain in compliance with state regulations by sending you information you’ll need to report to the commission.

eClippings

State and national headlines for the latest in K-12 education news, plus blog posts and research related to teaching and learning emailed to you daily.

Federal Relations Network (FRN) – Washington, D.C.

Participants in NSBA’s FRN legislative program engage with WA state’s congressional delegation in D.C., by email or phone throughout the year.

Our Kids, Our Future Website

Good news statewide gathered in one place. Stories about student success, classroom practices, professional learning, accolades for educators, and more.

Direct

More than a newsletter, the quarterly publication covers WSSDA news, topics for school boards, and ways to connect and engage with fellow directors.

BuyBoard

Developed to comply with state laws, BuyBoard gives districts access to bulk discounts combined with the ease of online, web-based shopping.

Fee-based services

BoardDocs

A tiered, cloud-based solution that helps school boards save money, time and operate more effectively.

On-Call

Our school PR publication provides timely, ready-to-use new items and professional advice on how to engage the community, inform parents and motivate staff.

Annual events, classes and more

January – February

Federal Relations Network Advocacy Institute (FRN)
Legislative Conference and Day on the Hill

March – April – May

Spring Regional Meetings
Equity Conference
Legislative Assembly

September- October

Fall Regional Meetings

November

Law Conference
Annual Conference 
Delegate Assembly
Board Bootcamp*

*A regular feature of Annual Conference, boot camp and other workshops are also offered regionally at different times.