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Board approves first reading to expand oath-of-office wording after RCW change; debate over scope and legal risk
Summary
The board approved a first reading to update Policy 11-11 to reference state and federal laws after a recent RCW change; members debated whether the change is discretionary, possible legal consequences and whether to replace 'support' with 'comply'.
The West Valley School District Board approved a first reading Nov. 10 to revise Policy 11-11 (Oath of Office) to explicitly reference "the constitutions of The United States and the State of Washington and the laws of The United States and the State of Washington." The motion passed on first reading by a 3–2 vote.
Background: The proposed wording follows a model from the Washington State School Directors Association after the legislature amended the relevant RCW. A board member read the statute aloud, citing the RCW language that "every person elected or appointed to the office of school director… shall take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of The United States and the state of Washington and the laws of the state of Washington."
Points of contention: Some board members said the change is discretionary because the legislature did not require districts to adopt a particular written policy; others, including a board member who referenced the statute, argued the RCW uses mandatory language ("shall") and that the district's policy should mirror the statute. Members discussed the difference between the words "support" and "comply," with one member urging leaving the statutory word "support" intact because that phrasing appears in the RCW.
Legal context: Board members noted an active lawsuit challenging portions of state policy related to funding and compliance; speakers cautioned that while courts consider such challenges, the statute remains the law unless stayed. Members also noted that the RCW includes procedures for investigating alleged willful noncompliance, and that there could be financial consequences if a finding is made.
Next steps: Administration will prepare a redraft for a second reading that can include the board’s requested language changes. The updated policy will be returned to the board for final adoption on a later meeting agenda.
