WSSDA 2024 Annual Conference

Board Boot Camp is the perfect place for new board members to start their journey. You’ll hear from trainers with extensive school board experience as they cover the basics of board service, serving your district's students and families, and best practices for effective school board leadership. You’ll also connect with new board members from around the state while exploring scenarios you’re likely to encounter as a school director. A panel discussion called “What your board president and superintendent would love to tell you…but probably won’t” is a favorite of many attendees. Superintendents and veteran school directors are encouraged to attend with their new board members for the best experience.

*Requires pre-registration

Engage with experienced school law attorneys on the pressing legal issues facing public school districts in the 2024-25 school year. Learn about today’s legal landscape, including newly developing concerns and issues on the horizon. Speakers will help you identify pitfalls and minimize the risk of investigations and costly litigation in your district. The content of Law Conference changes according to the important topics that emerge each year. This is a can’t-miss learning opportunity tailored specifically to K-12 leaders.

*Requires pre-registration

A key role for school board members and additional education leaders is influencing others by advocating for their students, school districts, and K-12 public education. As you learn about the systems that support and drive state policymaking, this workshop will help you build comfort and confidence as an advocate. Join this engaging and educational session to practice techniques for effective advocacy and leave equipped with skills and goals for the next legislative cycle.

*Requires pre-registration

Open Government is an important principle in Washington State with two important and powerful tools enabling the people to inform themselves about their government - the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and the Public Records Act (PRA). The OPMA requires that covered agency leaders take action and conduct deliberations openly. It establishes the public’s right to observe their government in action. The PRA provides broad access to agency records.

This session qualifies for the legislative requirement for Open Government training for all school directors within 90 days of taking office and refresher training every four years thereafter.