Recent surveys of Washington state students reveal a growing population of LGBTQ students. The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey suggests that upwards of 25% of 10th graders are LGBTQ or questioning. Yet few school staff or school directors and administrators are aware of Gender Inclusive School laws and policies, much less their strong connection to the top protective factors for LGBTQ students. In this interactive workshop that includes students’ perspectives, you will learn about GIS laws, their connection to improving outcomes for LGBTQ students, and school climate overall. We will wrap up with a conversation about how you can help to connect this important work to your district's mission and values.
LGBTQ Student Advocate, Professional Development Provider, Common Goodness Project
Since 2004, I've worked within and alongside the LGBTQ+ community in one way or another. My experience is broad and includes working with faith communities, partnering with public schools, volunteering for juvenile justice departments, supporting foster parents with LGBTQ+ youth... Read More →
Students are in a mental health crisis and schools no longer have the capacity to meet the needs alone. Learn how this unique, yet replicable, partnership called the Renton Referral Hub, is helping us to build systems that equitably address the needs through a community hub.
Evaluating the superintendent is one of the board's most critical responsibilities, but it is important to do it effectively. Learn how to make the daunting process effective, efficient, and supportive of excellence in leadership.
Amy Cast brings a wide variety of school board and marketing management experience. As a director on the Northshore School Board, Amy has served in every officer position, including Audit Chair, Legislative Chair, Vice President and President. As President, she oversaw a community-wide... Read More →
Cindy McMullen is a recycled school director, having served on the Central Valley School Board in Spokane from 1987-2011, then serving four years on the State Board of Education, and being re-elected to the Central Valley Board since 2015. She has been active in WSSDA, graduating... Read More →
School board members campaign on big ideas, but can find implementation to be challenging, spurring frustration, discord, and burnout. In this session, we’ll work through an explicit framework for change that covers priorities, process, and people, equipping attendees with strategies to effect change in their own districts.
Bring your laptop and dive into the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)! Equip yourself to make well-informed AI governance decisions by first becoming a user. In this interactive session, you'll create a free ChatGPT account and start leveraging AI to enhance your effectiveness as a board director. No prior AI experience? No problem! This session is designed just for you.
You are serving on your school board to make a difference for kids. But what is the best way to be a change maker during these turbulent times? Learn what research and best practices tell us about how to be an effective leader, even when facing head winds.
Amy Cast brings a wide variety of school board and marketing management experience. As a director on the Northshore School Board, Amy has served in every officer position, including Audit Chair, Legislative Chair, Vice President and President. As President, she oversaw a community-wide... Read More →
Mary Fertakis served on the Tukwila School Board from 1995-2017, was the 2012 WSSDA President, served two terms on the WSSDA Board, one term on the Legislative Committee, and is a Leadership WSSDA graduate. She served on WSSDA’s Closing the Achievement Gap Task Force, Urban Issues... Read More →
Discover the inspiring journey of a school district that overcame significant challenges, including a teacher strike, superintendent troubles, constant bus cancellations, and community outrage threatening a levy failure. Through a dedicated community-building process, the district united stakeholders, refocused on common goals, and successfully passed a crucial levy with overwhelming support.
