How WSSDA Was Founded

Established by state law, the Washington State School Directors' Association is the school directors' own organization. Its services, programs and policies are determined by the members themselves.

In the first post-World War II school reform movement, the state Legislature converted the School Directors' Association into a state agency so that all directors would be included. WSSDA's function is to coordinate policy making, control and management of the school districts of the state in order to assist local school boards to fulfill their collective role of governing the state's school system. Dues are determined by the number of certificated personnel in each district.

The Association also is authorized, "upon request by a local school district board(s) of directors, to make available on a cost reimbursable contract basis

1. specialized services,
2. research information, and
3. consultants to advise and assist district board(s) in particular problem areas... " RCW 28A.345.030

Many local districts utilize the Association's specialized services, particularly in the areas of public relations, board development, strategic planning, policy development, superintendent search assistance and information dissemination. Boards find that it is more feasible and economical to utilize the expertise of professionals under part-time contracts with WSSDA, than it would be to employ administrators with comparable knowledge and ability. The flood of new school laws and regulations during the past few years, has made WSSDA services and staff resources even more essential.

Through the medium of an effective Association, the school boards of Washington state have helped to develop and influence important school legislation. Board members prepare for their responsibilities through WSSDA conferences, seminars, workshops and materials. Directors are kept abreast of new developments and, together with their colleagues, help to chart the future course of the schools.

The Association is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are elected by local school board members. This Board is responsible for directing the affairs of the Association between annual membership meetings.

Membership involvement in the Association is one of the keys to its success. Official positions of WSSDA, as well as the annual legislative program, are the result of this involvement.

School board members have numerous opportunities to help set direction for WSSDA and to influence efforts to improve education statewide. Board members from all parts of the state are active on the Association committees.