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Board discusses WASDA position submissions as legislators struggle to finalize budget
Summary
Board members discussed submitting positions to the Washington State School Directors' Association (WASDA) and noted legislative uncertainty on the state budget; several position topics were identified including transportation, special education and parental-rights proposals from another district.
During committee reports at the April 14 meeting, Director Terry Tate briefed the board on recent state legislative developments and on the WASDA (Washington State School Directors' Association) position-submission window.
Tate said the state legislature was struggling to finalize a budget and mentioned talk of an extended session. He said the board has a closing window to submit proposals or changes to WASDA positions and that several topics are under consideration. Tate identified three clusters of concern he’d been tracking: transportation funding, special education funding and MSOCs (materials, supplies, operations and costs). He also said a parental-rights position drafted in Ferndale had been circulated and could be offered as a proposed modification for WASDA consideration.
Board members agreed there was time to bring proposed positions to the board for approval before the submission deadline; board members were invited to forward ideas to the board president for agenda placement. Director Debbie Johnson had drafted several position suggestions tied to the district’s strategic plan; the board agreed that if they wished to pursue changes or new positions they should finalize them before the end of the submission window.
Why it matters: WASDA positions inform statewide advocacy and can be presented to the legislature during general assembly. Given the legislature’s uncertain budget timeline, district directors discussed whether to submit clarifying or alternative positions to influence statewide policy discussion.
What the record shows: The discussion focused on process and timing; no formal board position was adopted at the meeting. Directors agreed to continue discussion and, if desired, bring specific proposals forward for approval at a future meeting.
