Washington State School Directors' Association

08/20/2026

WSSDA Recommends Taking the Board Self-Assessment by End of Summer

Back to school is right around the corner! If your board hasn't taken the FREE Board Self-Assessment yet, now is the time. The survey questions are based on research that identifies best practices, takes just 10–20 minutes, and is one of the simplest tools you have for supporting meaningful governance goals before the school year begins.

Get the free survey:
https://wssda.org/member-services/governance-resources/online-board-self-assessment/

08/18/2026

Candidate Filing Window Opens September 1

Each year, WSSDA facilitates elections for itself, plus the boards of Educational Service Districts and the State Board of Education.

Interested in running?
Get all the details on candidate eligibility, filing and slates here: https://wssda.org/about-us/how-we-are-governed/elections/

08/18/2026

It's National Immunization Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of immunization in keeping our students healthy and safe in school.

Measles was once nearly eradicated in the U.S., but cases of measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses are now on the rise. If your child isn’t up to date on wellness visits or vaccinations, now’s a good time to make sure they have all their required vaccines for child care or school.

As with Oregon and California, our state determines its own recommended immunization schedule for children from birth through 18 years of age based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). All vaccines recommended for children and adolescents remain available for free through Washington’s universal Childhood Vaccine Program at participating provider sites. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/4wuGP3F.

08/11/2026

Early-Bird Rates for 2026 End September 25 — Don't Wait

The WSSDA annual conference is November 19–21 in Spokane, and early-bird registration is open now. Invest in your board by attending this conference with over 1,000 attendees, 70+ breakout sessions, two keynotes, and pre-conference workshops — including a first-ever session designed for executive assistants!

Register before September 25:
https://wssda.org/events/wssda-annual-conference/registration/

08/06/2026

WSSDA Is Building Its Next Strategic Plan — And School Director Input Is Shaping It

This spring, WSSDA's Board of Directors spent time gathering big ideas for the future. A SWOT analysis performed this summer emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on services, resources, and supporting student outcomes. It also stressed that the strategic plan should be practical and actionable — not simply a document that “sits on a shelf.” All school board members will be sent a survey in early fall.

Read the full update:
https://wssda.org/2026/06/wssda-board-continues-strategic-planning-process/

08/04/2026

It's — and the Boards of Distinction Application Is Open

August is National Back to School Month! Students are getting ready, and so should their boards. It’s not too late to apply to the Boards of Distinction program! This is both a recognition opportunity and a professional development exercise that helps boards assess how they contribute to student success.

Learn more and apply:
Wssda.org/member-services/recognition/boards-of-distinction/

08/03/2026

For anyone wondering how to give or get help:

Standing With Our Region During the Wildfires

Our hearts remain with everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires across Spokane and northeast Washington, including families who have been evacuated, are awaiting news about their homes or are facing significant loss.

NEWESD 101 extends its deepest care and concern to our students, families, educators, school districts, community partners and neighbors. We are profoundly grateful to the firefighters, emergency personnel, school staff, volunteers and organizations working tirelessly to protect and support our communities.

Please continue to follow instructions from local emergency officials and prioritize your safety.

Resources for wildfire-impacted families:

• Interactive evacuation map and regional resources:
https://greaterspokane.org/fire-resources/

• Nine Mile Falls School District community support: Lakeside Middle School’s parking area is available for anyone needing a safe place to store vehicles, trailers or other equipment.

Donations of nonperishable food, toiletries, bottled water, sports drinks, diapers and infant care items are being accepted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Style House 291
The Wagon Wheel
291 Brewhouse
The Nine Mile Store
North Wild Coffee

Organizers are asking that clothing not be donated at this time.

• Free YMCA access: Wildfire-impacted community members may use YMCA of the Inland Northwest facilities for showers and daytime access at no cost. Adults should bring photo identification.
https://ymcainw.org/

• American Red Cross assistance: Shelter, meals, supplies and other emergency support may be available. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit:
https://www.redcross.org/local/washington.html

• Innovia Foundation Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund: Donations support immediate assistance and long-term recovery efforts.
https://innovia.org/wildfire-response/

• Spokane Public Schools updates: Find information about cooling centers, summer meal sites and other community resources:
https://www.spokaneschools.org/

Information, services and evacuation conditions may change quickly. Please rely on local emergency officials for the latest safety instructions. Additional resources will be shared as information becomes available.

Mead School District

07/31/2026

Back to School Is Around the Corner — Is Your Board Ready?

With August arriving soon, the new school year is close. Now is a great time for boards to take WSSDA’s FREE self-assessment, confirm their annual meeting calendar, onboard new directors, check in on board goals and take the next step in the cycle of superintendent evaluation. WSSDA's governance tools can support all of that, and are ready when you are.

Explore governance resources:
https://wssda.org/member-services/governance-resources/

07/28/2026

Summer is the right time to reflect before the new year begins!

Our free Board Self-Assessment Survey is an easy-to-use tool that helps school boards assess and strengthen their performance. You will receive a report that gives your board an honest look at how you're performing against Washington School Board Standards across all five strands of effective governance.

Take the free survey:
https://wssda.org/member-services/governance-resources/online-board-self-assessment/

07/27/2026

Congratulations Tove! And thank you to all our school communicators supporting the mission of public education. 🍎🏫🚌 See Tove's contribution to our recent magazine: https://wssda.org/2026/05/what-salmon-teach-us-about-school-communication/