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
Elevating the voice of our elected school board members among local, state, and federal policymakers is the aim WSSDA’s advocacy efforts. Legislative advocacy occurs throughout the year and is driven by the voice of WSSDA members. As school directors develop and approve legislative positions, WSSDA staff use them as…
Building skilled leaders and effective school boards
School directors consistently report that WSSDA’s free board self-assessment survey, is “useful for goal setting” and “a great way to grow.” “Results from the self-assessment help boards dig into the critical issues that can sometimes hold boards back. By examining how they rate their…
Board Members: Sign Up to Meet With Your Legislators
Week on the Hill planning meetings begin Monday, March 8. Sign up for your planning meeting and prepare to meet with your legislators! Week on the Hill: Planning Meetings Prepare for meeting legislators by gathering your thoughts and networking with colleagues. We’ve organized planning…
Large Schools Caucus Meets Tuesday, March 9
Prepare for Week on the Hill legislator meetings by attending the Large Schools Caucus taking place Tuesday, March 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. In conjunction with the WSSDA-WASA-WASBO Legislative Conference, each year, we organize meetings with legislators, planning meetings, and various caucus meetings. The Large…
Equity and Access Caucus Meets Monday, March 8
Prepare for Week on the Hill legislator meetings by attending the Equity and Access Caucus taking place Monday, March 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. In conjunction with the WSSDA-WASA-WASBO Legislative Conference, each year, we organize meetings with legislators, planning meetings, and various caucus meetings. All…
Legislative Session Week Eight: Bill Highlights
This week, WSSDA has a list of bills that our members may be interested in tracking. If you or your district would like to provide input, you can do so in a variety of ways. Learn more about how to participate in the legislative process! Flexibility…
Tips for Effective Advocacy From Director Sara Betnel
WSSDA regularly asks school directors to share insights on various topics as a way for board members to learn from one another’s experience. Below are some tips for successful advocacy work plus the following example of engaging with lawmakers during a legislative session. Sara Betnel…
Legislative Session Week Seven: Bill Highlights and Preparing for Week on the Hill
Student well-being is one of WSSDA’s consistent legislative priorities. Furthermore, WASA, WSSDA, and WASBO identified this issue as one of three “hot topics” for the upcoming legislator meetings during “Week on the Hill.” In our interview with Representative Callan (below), we talked about several bills that expand on…