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

School board members and district leaders will have an opportunity to conduct a deep dive into OSPI’s Human-Centered AI Guidance for K-12 public schools by exploring how leveraging AI responsibly can enhance student learning outcomes and operational efficiency while also addressing important concerns around privacy, equity, and transparency. Participants will be actively involved during this hands-on presentation.

Join us for a comprehensive presentation focused on the indispensable roles and responsibilities of school district board members in ensuring sound financial oversight of Washington state schools. In this session, we will delve into the essential principles, practices, and strategies that empower school boards to effectively manage fiscal resources and promote financial transparency and accountability within their districts.

Join WSSDA's Strategic Advocacy Team to learn how you can engage with new and returning legislators and their staff to elevate WSSDA priorities and positions, as well as your district's interests, during the next legislative session. This is an opportunity to build skills, share strategies, and align your advocacy efforts with your organization and other districts so that we might effectuate the policy and budget changes districts need most right now.

Learn from a veteran board president-superintendent team that has worked together to create a relationship that is effective, collaborative, and supportive within their complimentary roles in leading their district.

School boards play a pivotal role in shaping the vision and direction of educational institutions. To effectively execute their responsibilities, it is crucial for school boards to align their calendars with the strategic goals and objectives of the district. This session aims to empower school board members and superintendents with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop calendars that are closely aligned with their strategic plan.

Small school district leaders are welcome to join this lunch presentation to connect with others about the joys and challenges of small schools. Keynote speaker J. Marie Riche will share strategies to navigate divisive politics in small communities, while Rural Ed Center's Jim Kowalkowski shares legislative updates. Time to share what's working in your district is part of the interactive program.