According to RCW 28A.320.015, school boards have broad discretionary power to adopt policies that promote the effective management of the school district. This includes ensuring that board members avoid conflicts of interest that could affect their decision-making.
It is generally advisable for school board members to disclose any potential conflicts and recuse themselves from decisions where their impartiality might be compromised. This helps maintain transparency and trust in the community.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict of interest arises when personal interests (financial, personal, or relational) could improperly influence—or appear to influence—official duties. The main concern is whether decisions prioritize the public’s best interest over personal gain.
For state employees, conflict of interest rules are typically framed around their role as staff: they must avoid using their position, resources, or access to benefit themselves, family, or outside business interests. Violations are generally handled under state ethics laws and employment policies.
For elected officials, the concept is broader. Because they are directly accountable to voters, conflicts of interest may arise when their private or political interests compromise their independence, judgment, or duty to represent the public fairly. In addition to ethics laws, political accountability (e.g., disclosure requirements, recusal, or even electoral consequences) plays a significant role.
In summary, state employees are expected to follow workplace ethics rules to maintain impartiality in their work. Elected officials, meanwhile, are not only bound by legal requirements but are also held to a higher standard of transparency and public trust, given their direct responsibility to voters.
A Guidebook and FAQs
WSSDA offers a guidebook on conflicts of interest, but below are answers to many of the most frequent questions we receive.
District Employees and Serving on the Board
In Washington state, a school district employee—such as a classified staff member—generally cannot simultaneously serve as a school board director in the same district due to conflict of interest laws.
Under RCW 42.23.030, public officers, including school board members, are prohibited from having a beneficial interest in any contract made by, through, or under their supervision. This includes employment contracts. While there are limited exceptions, such as for small districts or contracts under specific financial thresholds, these are narrowly defined and typically do not apply to ongoing employment relationships. Additionally, given that school board members have oversight over district operations, including employment decisions, a classified employee serving as a board member in the same district would face a conflict of interest.
Moreover, school districts often have policies to prevent conflicts of interest. Therefore, unless a specific exemption applies, a classified employee would need to resign from their position to serve as a school board member in the same district.
Can a Board Member join the PTA?
In Washington state, there isn’t a specific law that outright prohibits a school board member from serving as a treasurer of a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in the same district. However, potential conflicts of interest can arise depending on the circumstances and the decisions being made.
For a definitive answer, and to ensure compliance with local policies, it would be best to consult with the school district’s legal counsel or review the district’s specific policies on conflicts of interest.
Accepting Gifts, Meals, or Anything of Remunerative Value
Under RCW 42.23.070, public officials, including school board members, are prohibited from accepting gifts that could influence their official duties. If such gifts are accepted, they should disclose them to maintain transparency and avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Under RCW 42.23.070 Prohibited Acts, it states states:
- No municipal officer may use his or her position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself, herself, or others.
- No municipal officer may, directly or indirectly, give or receive or agree to receive any compensation, gift, reward, or gratuity from a source except the employing municipality, for a matter connected with or related to the officer’s services as such an officer, unless otherwise provided for by law.
- No municipal officer may accept employment or engage in business or professional activity that the officer might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her by reason of his or her official position to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of his or her official position.
- No municipal officer may disclose confidential information gained by reason of the officer’s position, nor may the officer otherwise use such information for his or her personal gain or benefit.
Membership in Organizations that Overlap with the Board’s Work
If a board member holds a fiduciary role or membership in any organization that may concern itself with the same subjects as their board work, they must disclose conflicts and may abstain from related votes.