General Assembly

General Assembly Handbook
Download the Handbook

General Assembly is one of the most important school board events of the year. By voting on legislative and permanent positions, the assembly is where school directors update WSSDA’s advocacy platform. Once all voting is finished and positions adopted, the platform that results will guide all of WSSDA’s advocacy efforts until the next assembly.

September 20-21, 2024

The 2024 assembly will be a hybrid event. The in-person portion will be at the Four Points Sheraton – Seattle Airport South.

Registration

You need to register in advance ONLY if you are:

  • a school board-appointed delegate (virtual or in person) or
  • planning to attend in-person

In-person Location:

Four Points Sheraton – Seattle Airport South
22406 Pacific Highway South, Des Moines, WA 98198

Register
Enter the Virtual General Assembly

Who Should Come?

All school boards are strongly encouraged to participate. District staff and student board representatives are also welcome, but only school directors may address the assembly and vote per WSSDA policy 1290 and procedure 1290P.

Vote as a Board

Each school board in the state can appoint one of its members to cast a vote on behalf of their school board. While some boards may select their “leg rep” or board chair, the ability to vote can go to anyone on a board and even transfer to another board member during the event to ensure that board’s ability to continue participating in the assembly. So, while the entire board may participate, only one member may cast a vote on any given proposal.

Platform Revision Timeline for 2024

  • January – December
    School boards regularly discuss WSSDA positions and consider proposing a revision to WSSDA’s advocacy platform when the window opens in April.
  • Through April 7
    School boards take action at a board meeting to finalize and approve any proposal they intend to submit.
  • February 26 and March 11
    Explanation of the platform revision process during Leg Rep Network webinars.
  • March 11
    Window opens for WSSDA platform revision proposals.

  • April 8 at 5 pm
    Window closes for WSSDA platform revision proposals.
  • April 9-18
    Staff organize and forward proposals to the appropriate standing committee.
  • April – May
    Legislative and Resolutions Committees review proposals.
  • July 1
    First Draft of General Assembly Handbook Published Online
  • August 1
    Amendment Proposal Window Opens
  • August 7
    Amendment Proposal Window Closes
  • August 12
    Informal Conference Committee Meetings (scheduled if necessary)
  • August 16
    Final General Assembly Handbook Published Online
  • September 20-21
    General Assembly, where boards vote on proposals to revise WSSDA’s platform.
  • September 24 – October 8
    Boards review revised platform and prioritize WSSDA positions.
  • October 23
    Legislative priorities announced.
  • October – December
    Share priorities with legislators.
  • January 13, 2025
    First day of legislative session. Incorporate WSSDA positions and priorities into your advocacy.
Getting Ready for Assembly

About the Assembly

Video Poster

Jump to sections in the video to hear school directors answer:

0:04 – Why is it important to attend the WSSDA General Assembly?

2:06 – Why is it important for small school districts to attend General Assembly?

4:47 – How do you prepare for General Assembly?

6:53 – What is your advice for first-time attendees?

8:44 – What is your favorite thing about General Assembly?

Other Resources

General Assembly & OPMA

Questions?

Email assembly@sandbox.inwssda.org