The board of directors of the Snohomish School District is the corporate entity established by the state of Washington to plan and direct all aspects of the district's operations to the end that students shall have ample opportunity to achieve their individual and collective learning needs.

The policies of the board define the organization of the board and the manner of conducting its official] business. The board's operating policies are those that the board adopts from time to time to facilitate the performance of its responsibilities.

Organization
The corporate name of this school district is Snohomish School District No. 201, Snohomish County, state of Washington. The district is classified as a first-class district and is operated in accordance with the laws and regulations pertaining to first-class districts.

In order to achieve its primary goal of providing each child with the necessary skills and attitudes, commensurate with his/her ability, to become effective citizens, the board shall exercise the full authority granted to it by the laws of the state. Its legal powers, duties and responsibilities are derived from state statute and regulation. Sources such as the school code (Title 28A RCW), attorney general's opinions and regulations of the state board of education (Title WAC 180) and the state superintendent of public instruction (Title WAC 392) delineate the legal powers, duties and responsibilities of the board.

Number of Members and Terms of Office
The board shall consist of five members, elected by ballot by the registered voters of the district. Except as otherwise provided by law, board members shall hold office for terms of four years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of board members shall be staggered as provided by law.

Newly-elected directors shall take office at the first official meeting of the board of directors after the election results have been certified by the county auditor. Prior to beginning their term, directors shall take and subscribe to an oath of office.

Cross References:

• (cf. 1111 - Oath of office)

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.150.230 Basic Education Act of 1977
• 28A.300.065 Classification and numbering system of school districts
• 28A.315.035 Organization of school districts
• 28A.320.010 Corporate Powers
• 28A.320.020 Liability for debts and judgments
• 28A.320.040 Directors--Bylaws
• 28A.343.300 Directors--Terms-Numbers
• 28A.343.320 Directors--Declaration of Candidacy
• 28A.343.330 Directors--Ballots-Form
• 28A.343.360 Directors--Oath of Office
• 29.13.050 Commencement of terms of officers-Organization of district
  board of directors

Adoption Date: October 11, 2000

Policy 1000- Legal Status and Operation

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Acting on behalf of the people of the school district’s community, the School Board will fulfill the following functions:

Responsible Governance:
The Board will envision the future of the school district's educational program and formulate goals, define outcomes and set the course for the school district. This will be done within the context of racial, ethnic and religious diversity and with a commitment to education excellence and equity for all students.

Creating Conditions for Student and Staff Success:
To achieve the vision, the Board will establish a structure that reflects local circumstances and creates an environment designed to allow all students the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework. This includes employing a Superintendent, developing and approving policies, formulating budgets, setting high instructional and learning goals for staff and students, and nurturing a climate conducive to continuous improvement.

High Expectations for Student Learning:
The Board will continuously articulate the belief that all students can learn, and that each student’s learning can improve regardless of existing circumstances or resources. The Board will act as leaders of a vision of shared learning that is supported by individual schools and the community.

Accountability for Student Learning:
The Board's accountability for student learning will include adopting a system of continuous assessment of the conditions affecting education, including assessments for measuring staff and student progress towards goals identified by the Board. The public will be kept informed about programs and progress. Staff and Board training will be provided to ensure continuous improvement of student achievement.

Community Engagement:
The Board will work to advance the community’s vision for its schools, pursue the district’s goals, encourage progress, energize systemic change, and ensure that students are treated as whole persons in a diverse society.

Classification: Discretionary

Adoption Date: December 14, 2022

Policy 1005- Key Functions of the Board

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It is the responsibility of the board of directors to establish the boundaries of the internal director districts of the school district, and to redistrict the director districts as necessary.

The board of directors, with the assistance of the administration, the ESD and the State Redistricting Commission, shall develop a plan of proposed director districts within eight months of any of the following events:

1. Receipt of federal decennial census data;

2. Consolidation of the district with one or more other districts;

3. Transfer of territory to or from the district;

4. Annexation of territory to or from the district; or

5. Approval by a majority of the district's voters of a proposal to divide the district into director districts.

The plan of proposed director districts shall meet the following criteria:

1. The districts shall be as nearly as possible equal in population;

2. The districts shall be as compact as possible and consist of geographically contiguous area;

3. The districts shall not favor or disfavor any racial group or political party; and

4. The districts shall as much as possible coincide with natural boundaries and existing communities.

At least one week before the Board of Directors considers adoption of the plan of director districts, the Board shall hold a public hearing on the plan.

Within thirty days of adoption of the plan of director districts the legal descriptions and maps depicting the director districts shall be submitted to the county auditor. If the plan is submitted after the fourth Monday in June of an odd-numbered year, the plan will not take effect until the following year.

Any registered voter in the district may challenge the plan within 45 days of the plan's adoption by requesting that the superior court review the plan for compliance with the four criteria listed above.

Legal References:

• RCW 29.70.101- Redistricting by counties, municipal corporations and special purpose districts
• 28A.343.030 Directors' districts in certain school districts election to authorize division in school districts no already divided into director districts
• 28A.343.040 Division or redivision of district into director districts

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revision Date: December 13, 2000

Policy 1105 Director District Boundaries

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Board elections shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.

A person may become a candidate for a place on the board by filing a declaration of candidacy with the county auditor during the July filing period as prescribed by law. In the event that there are more than two candidates for any position on the board, a primary election shall be held on the third Tuesday of September in the manner prescribed by law. The two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will appear on the election ballot in November.

In the event a school director position becomes vacant or a void in candidacy for a school director position occurs after the fourth Tuesday before the primary election, but before the fourth Tuesday before the general election, then the county auditor shall establish a special three-day filing period. In such a case, regardless of the number of candidates, there will be no primary, and the winner of the position will be the candidate receiving a plurality of the votes cast.

A person is legally qualified to become a board member who is a United States citizen, a qualified voter resident in the school district and appropriate director district, if any. Staff of the district are precluded from serving on the board.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.343.300 Directors - Terms - Numbers
• 28A.343.320 Directors - Declarations of candidacy - Positions as separate offices
• 28A.343.330 Directors - Ballots - Form
• 28A.343.340 Directors - When elected - Eligibility
• 29.01.140 Residence
• 29.15.180 Reopening of filing - Occurrences after fourth Tuesday before primary
• 29.21.010 Primary elections in other towns and districts
• 42.12.010 Causes of vacancy

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: October 25, 1995

Renumbered: November 8, 2000

Policy- 1110 Election

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Candidates for appointment or election to the board shall be urged to attend public meetings of the board. All public information about the school system shall be made available to them.

Additionally, the board directs the superintendent to cooperate impartially with all candidates in providing them with information about school governance, board operations and school programs. Information to board candidates may include:

A. Notifying the candidate of open meetings of the board, accompanied with an agenda;

B. Meeting with the candidate to provide background information on the school system and board service and/or arranging such other candidate orientation sessions as the candidate may reasonably request;

C. Providing each candidate with access to publications of the district, materials from the Washington State School Directors' Association, the official minutes of board meetings and the district policy manual;

D. Reviewing the district budget and related fiscal documents; and

E. Providing each candidate with information regarding the Public Disclosure Act.

Adopted: April 1, 2002

Procedure 1110P- Election Procedure

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According to statutory provision, each new director shall take an oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Washington and to promote the interests of education and to faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office to the best of his/her ability. A school district officer or notary public authorized to administer oaths must certify to this oath and the signature of the member. After properly completed, the oath of office shall be filed with the county auditor.

Legal Reference: 

• RCW 28A.343.360 Oath of Office

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revision Date: December 13, 2000

Policy 1111- Oath of Office

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The board will help newly-elected or appointed directors to understand the policies and procedures of the board. To facilitate this process, new directors will be provided with information such as:

• WSSDA publications (e.g. Evaluation of School Personnel, Parliamentary Procedure)
• Goals for the school district and strategic plan, if developed
• Board policies and administrative procedures
• Student rights, responsibilities and conduct
• District staff handbook
• Student and staff handbooks from individual schools
• Collective bargaining agreements
• School budget
• Financial status reports (most recent copies)
• Board minutes (past year)
• Achievement test results
• State essential learning information
• Staff member job descriptions

The superintendent will assist each new director in the review of these materials and will review the role and function of the various administrators employed by the district. The superintendent will also clarify, as per district policy, how to:

1. Arrange for visits of school or administrative offices

2. Request information regarding school operations

3. Respond to a complaint concerning staff or program

4. Handle confidential information.

Directors will be encouraged to attend meetings, workshops and conferences to increase their knowledge and competencies.

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: January 23, 2002

Policy 1112- Director Orientation

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A school director must remain a resident of the school district to be eligible to continue to serve as a school board member. If a director's residence changes to a place outside the district, the director must resign and his/her eligibility to serve ends with the change of residence.

A Snohomish School District director is required to live within his or her director district. If the director's residence changes to a place outside the director area, but within the district, the director may continue to serve on the school board until the next regular school district election (the fall of odd numbered years), at which time an election will be held to fill the board position for the director area the director no longer resides in. If the change of residence occurs after the filing period for the regular school district election, but before the election, and the director is in the first two years of his/her term, he/she may continue to serve from a residence outside the director area, but within the district, until the end of the term he/she was elected to.

If, during his/her term of office, a director's director area boundaries are redrawn in such a manner that his/her residence is no longer within the director district, the director may serve out the term to which he/she was elected.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.343.340 Directors--When elected--Eligibility
• RCW 28A.343.350 Residency
• RCW 29.01.140 Residence
• RCW 29.70.100 Redistricting by counties, municipal corporations, and special purpose
• RCW 42.12.010 Causes of Vacancy

Adopted: January 23, 2002

Policy 1113- Board Member Residency

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Resignation

Upon receipt of a director's written resignation, the Board will acknowledge and announce the resignation at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The resignation will be effective immediately unless otherwise stated. If a future date is stated, the resignation may be withdrawn any time prior to the effective date.

Board members who have resigned may not vote on the selection of their replacement.

Vacancy

In case of a Board vacancy, the remaining Board members will fill such vacancy by appointment. The Board will receive applications from any qualified persons seeking to fill the position after suitable public notice. The Board will appoint one of the candidates to serve until the next regularly scheduled election, at which time a director will be elected for the unexpired term.

The appointment will be approved, by roll call vote, by not less than three members of the Board. If there exists fewer than three members, the Educational Service District Board members will appoint a sufficient number to constitute a legal majority of the Board. Should the Board fail to fill a vacancy within ninety (90) days from the creation of such vacancy, the Educational Service District Board members will fill such vacancy. Appointees are required to be United States citizens and qualified voter residents in the school district and appropriate director district.

Cross Reference: Policy 1450 – Absence of a Board Member

Legal Reference: RCW 42.12.010 Causes of Vacancy

• RCW 28A.310.030 ESD Board – Membership – Board member district Boundaries
• RCW 28A.330.020 Certain Board elections, manner and vote required selection of personnel, manner
• RCW 28A.343.370 Vacancies
• RCW 29A.04.151 Residence

Classification: Discretionary

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: January 23, 2002

Revised: December 12, 2018

Policy 1114- Board Member Resignation and Vacancy

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When a vacancy occurs on the Board, it is in the best interest of the District to encourage as many able citizens as possible to consider becoming a school director.

To that end the following procedures will be used to identify and appoint citizens to fill Board vacancies:

A. Announcement of the vacancy and the procedure for filling it will be made in the newspaper as well as general District publications;

B. All citizens will be invited to nominate candidates for the position provided that the nominees will be registered voters who reside in the director district in which the vacancy occurs;

C. The Board secretary will notify all nominees by sending them a summary of director responsibilities and requesting from their residing address as well as a statement about their interest in being a Board member;

D. The Board will screen the nominees;

1. If there are more than five, it will select for interviews the five whose prior experience and expressed interest suggest that they will be most able to contribute breadth of view to the Board's deliberations as well as effectively represent a large segment of the community.

E. The Board will appoint the nominee who in the judgment of at least three members of the Board is most likely to contribute to the growth and development of the District’s Educational programs and operations.

Adoption Date: December 12, 2018

Procedure 1114P- Board Member Resignation and Vacancy Procedure

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At the first regular meeting at which newly elected board members are seated in election years and at the first regular meeting in December in non-election years, the board shall elect from among its members a president and a vice president to serve one-year terms.

If a board member is unable to continue to serve as an officer, a replacement will be elected immediately. In the absence of both the president and the vice president, the board shall elect a president pro tempore who shall perform the functions of the president during the latter's absence.

The Superintendent shall act as board secretary and perform all the duties as outline by law. In order to provide a record of the proceedings of each meeting of the board, the Superintendent will appoint a recording secretary of the board.

The normal order of business shall be modified for the annual organizational meeting by considering the following matters after the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting:

1. Welcome and instruction of newly-elected board members by the president.

2. Call for nominations for president to serve during the ensuing year.

3. Election of a president (roll call vote).

4. Assumption of office by the new president.

5. Call for nominations for vice president to serve during the ensuing year.

6. Election of vice president (roll call vote).

7. Call for nominations for legislative representative.

Policies will continue from year to year and board to board until and unless the board changes them.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.400.030- Superintendent's duties
• 28A.330.010 Board president, vice-president or president protempore—Secretary
• 28A.330.020 Certain board elections, manner and vote required-Selection of personnel, manner
• 28A.330.050 Duties of Superintendent as secretary
• 29A.60.280 Local elected officials, commencement of term of office

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: January 24, 2001, January 10, 2018

Policy 1210- Annual Organizational Meeting, Election of Officers

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Officers of the Board: President (Note: this portion formerly covered in Policy 1210)

The president shall preside at all board meetings and sign all papers and documents as required by law or as authorized by the action of the board. The president shall conduct the meetings in the manner prescribed by the board's policies, provided that the president shall have the full right to participate in all aspects of board action without relinquishing the chair, including the right to vote on all matters put to a vote.

It shall be the responsibility of the board president to manage the board's deliberation so that it shall be clear, concise, and directed to the issue at hand; summarize discussion and/or action before moving on to the next agenda item; and to generally manage the meeting so that the agenda is treated in an expeditious manner.

The president shall be the official recipient of correspondence directed to the board and shall provide, or cause to be provided to other board members and the superintendent, copies of the correspondence received on behalf of the board.

When time and circumstance demand an immediate decision from the board, and the board has no opportunity to confer, the president is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the board provided, however, that the decision shall be communicated as soon as practical thereafter to all members of the board for review and ratification.

In dealing with the media and the public in general, the president or his/her designee will serve as the spokesperson of the board. The president is authorized to report and discuss those actions which have been taken and those decisions made by the board as a body. The president shall avoid speculating upon actions or decisions which the board may take but has not yet taken.

The president shall confer with the superintendent regarding sensitive issues which need immediate attention. When appropriate, he/she will confer with individual board members when other opinions should be sought.

Officers of the Board: Vice President (Note: This portion formerly the sole content of Policy 1220)

The vice-president shall preside at board meetings in the absence of the president and shall perform all of the duties of the president in case of his/her absence or disability.

Officers of the Board: Legislative Representative (Note: This portion formerly the sole content of Policy 1230)

A legislative representative shall serve as the board's liaison with the Washington State School Directors' Legislative Assembly. The legislative representative shall assume office July 1st in an even year for a two-year term. The legislative representative shall attend Washington State School Directors' Association Assemblies, conveying local views and concerns to that body and participating in the formulation of state legislative programs. The legislative representative shall
monitor proposed school legislation and inform the board of issues. Duties of Individual Board Members (Note: This portion formerly the sole content of Policy
1240)

The authority of individual board members is limited to participating in actions taken by the board as a whole when legally in session. Board members shall not assume responsibilities of administrators or other staff members. The board or staff shall not be bound in any way to any action taken or statement made by any individual board member except when such statement or action is pursuant to specific instructions and official action taken by the board.

Each board member shall review the agenda and any study materials distributed prior to the meeting and be prepared to participate in the discussion an decision-making for each agenda item.

Each member is obligated to attend board meetings regularly. Whenever possible, each director shall give advance notice to the president or superintendent of his/her inability to attend a board meeting. A majority of the board may excuse a director's absence from a meeting if requested to do so. The board may declare a board member's position vacant after four consecutive unexcused absences from regular board meetings.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.315.520 Directors-Quorum - Failure to attend meetings may result in vacation of office
• RCW 28A.320 Provisions applicable to all districts
• RCW 28A.330.100 Additional powers of the board
• RCW 28A.330.030 Duties of president
• RCW 28A.330.080 Payment of claims - Signing of warrants
• RCW 28A.330.200 Organization of the board
• RCW 28A.330.040 Duties of the vice president

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: January 24, 2001

Policy 1220- Board Officers and Duties of Board Members

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The superintendent as board secretary shall be responsible for:

1. Maintaining an accurate and complete record of all board proceedings;

2. Taking charge of the board's books and documents;

3. Drawing and signing all warrants authorized by the board;

4. Sending out notices of meetings and other relevant communications to the board members and
the public;

5. Preparing agendas and supplementary documents as authorized by the board;

6. Submitting required reports to the educational service district and to state and national agencies;

7. Authorizing the investment of district surplus funds by the county treasurer; and

8. Carrying out other duties as directed by the board and required by law.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.400.030 Superintendent's duties

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised and Renumbered: February 14, 2001 (from 1250 to 1230)

Policy 1230- Secretary

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Committees of the board may be created by a majority of the board. The chairman shall appoint board members to serve on such committees, the purpose and terms of which shall be determined by a majority vote of the board. Board representation is limited to no more than two board members per committee.

Legal Reference:

• RCW 28A.320.040 Directors - Bylaws

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: February 14, 2001 (Renumbered from 1130)

Policy 1240- Committees

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The Snohomish School District Board of Directors recognizes the value of communicating with students and receiving their input and perspectives. To foster this relationship with students, a Student Advisory Council (SACo) will be created to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and the Superintendent. This council will consist of students from Snohomish High School, Glacier Peak High School, and AIM. Their participation will provide student voice on matters of importance to the School Board in the following ways:

• Provide an avenue for student voice in district visioning and decision making for all students in the district;
• Provide input, identifying problems and solutions as well as advocating for change;
• Provide a direct connection and line of communication between students and the School Board; and
• Serve as a liaison to the students at Snohomish High School, Glacier Peak High School and AIM.

A School Board liaison to the Student Advisory Council and the Superintendent will support the Council’s work. Student representatives will serve as liaisons for their respective Associated Student Body and report to students about the work of the Board and district activities. Student representatives will attend Board meetings according to the procedures accompanying this policy. Student representatives will not attend Executive or Closed Sessions.

The Superintendent will establish procedures to implement this policy.

Classification: Discretionary

Adoption Date: September 14, 2022

Policy 1250- Student Advisory Council

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Student Advisory Council Procedures

A. Purpose
The Student Advisory Council (SACo) is designed to make a significant contribution to the Snohomish School District. The SACo will provide a channel of communication between the School Board, Superintendent, and the students of the Snohomish School District creating an avenue of communication while also building student leadership capacity. 

B. Structure
The Student Advisory Council (SACo) will be made up of student representatives from Snohomish High School, Glacier Peak High School, and AIM. The School Board seeks student members with a diversity of ages, ethnicities, experiences, and viewpoints.  Council members will serve on the Council for a three (3) year term. Snohomish and Glacier Peak High Schools will be represented with students from each grade levels 10th-12th. AIM High School will be represented with at least one student. 

C. Qualifications for Applicants

1. The student candidate must be in grades 10, 11 or 12 during their term as a student representative. 

2. The student candidate will be expected to maintain personal standards of behavior appropriate to participation in student activities as defined by the school’s student handbook.

3. The student candidate must be willing to convey student opinion to the Board of Directors and report Board deliberation and actions to the student body. Communication to the student body will be guided by the individual school’s procedures for disseminating information.  

4. The student representatives will be invited to attend their school Associated Student Body meetings and meetings with the principal, in order to share information to and from the School Board.

D.Application Process

1. Students will submit an online application through the district website. 

2. Students may submit a reference statement from one teacher or administrator. (This is not a requirement)

3. The prospective council members who complete the application materials will then be interviewed by the selection committee.  The selection committee will review application materials as part of the process.  Based on this process, a recommendation will be made to the Board. The interview team will be comprised of:

a. At least one Board member

b. Student Advisory Council Liasion

c. High School Administrator

4. The recommendation of student representatives will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.

E. Term of Office 
Beginning with the 23-24 school year, current students serving on the Student Advisory Council will continue to serve as representatives until the end of their senior year. As students graduate, the selection process will be open for upcoming 10th grade students to serve for a term of three years. If a student chooses to resign their position during the school year, another student will be selected from the same grade level. Students choosing not to continue their service for the following school year should notify the Student Advisory Liaison by April 1.

1. Representatives will be selected in the early spring of the year for the preceding school year.

2. Terms of office will be three school years, beginning in September of the 10th grade year and concluding in June of the 12th grade year unless they choose not to continue their service on the Student Advisory Council by notifying the Student Advisory liaison. 

3. In the event of a vacancy during the school year, a student may be selected from qualified applicants to serve the remaining term of the school year. 

F. Termination / Vacancy
The Student Representative serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board may remove a student during the term: 

1. A student representative may be removed for failure to fulfill their duties or make behavior choices that are deemed unacceptable by the Snohomish School District building student handbooks.

2. The process for removal will involve the Board Liaison, School Administrator and/or the Superintendent. Appropriate positive behavior interventions and or social emotional strategies (depending upon the situation) will always be attempted prior to removing a student.

3. Following the removal or vacancy of a student representative, the Selection Committee will review all the previous applicants and appoint a candidate from that applicant pool.

4. If there are no previous applicants, the position will be advertised and appointed through the established process above.  

G. Responsibilities of Student Representatives

1. The student representatives will: attend two virtual meetings per month with Student Advisory Council Liaison and twice a month in-person with the principal. Student Representatives will also meet with ASB and various student groups on a regular basis to communicate and gather information related to building and district activities to share with the Board.

2. If a student is unable to attend a meeting, they will communicate with the Student Advisory Liaison and share their input on the online discussion board.

3. Regular School Board meetings are usually held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM in the Boardroom at the Resource Service Center (RSC). The Student Advisory Council meets with the Board in a work session which begins prior to the regular Board meeting.

4. At a minimum, the Student Advisory Council representatives will attend the first School Board Study Session per month to relay and gather information from and to the Board. 

5. Since regular Board meetings occur during the evening hours of a school night, the Student Advisory Council Liaison may excuse the student from attending the Board meeting or grant permission for the student representative to leave a meeting before its conclusion. 

6. Students will have the opportunity to review the Board of Directors’ Board packet which includes     the meeting agenda and any reading materials prior to all regular Board meetings.

7. Students may fully participate in Board meetings with the expectation they can speak during the appropriate times following all operating protocols.  

H. Responsibilities of the Liaison

1. Facilitate communication between the SACo and the principals.

2. Meet with the Superintendent about SACo progress.

3. Create SACo agendas.  

4. Advise the SACo on the best ways to present information to the Board.  

5. Attend Board meetings.

I. Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will:

1. Maintain a high level of professionalism with the SACo. This relationship is driven by the mission to create a communication avenue, so the student voice is heard and valued. 

2. Meet with the student members of the SACo and the liaison at the beginning of the school year to review expectations, responsibilities, and participation. This can be completed at the first Board meeting at which SACo attends. 

J. Other
Students who are selected and fulfill the expectations of the Student Advisory Council will receive the following benefits:

1. Letter of recommendation/appreciation.

2. Hours towards community service as required by Board Policy #2410 High School
    Graduation Requirements.

Cross Reference:

• Policy 2410 High School Graduation Requirements

Classification: Discretionary

Adoption Date: September 14, 2022

Revised Date: May 6, 2024 (Cabinet Approved)

Procedure 1250P- Student Advisory Council Procedures

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Proposed new policies and proposed changes in existing policies shall be presented in writing for reading and discussion. Unless it is deemed by the board that immediate action would be in the best interests of the district, the final vote for adoption shall take place not earlier than the next succeeding regular or special board meeting. Any written statement by any person relative to a proposed policy or amendment should be directed to the board secretary prior to the second reading. The board may invite oral statements from staff members or patrons as an order of business.

When the board of directors is considering a district policy or amendment policy that is not expressly or by implication authorized by state or federal law, but which will promote the education of kindergarten through twelfth grade students in public schools or will promote the effective, efficient or safe management and operation of the district, the proposed policy shall be described in any notice of the meetings at which the policy will be considered, if the notice is issued pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, Ch. 42.30 RCW. The board of directors will provide an opportunity for public written and oral comment on such policies before adoption or
amendment.

In the event that immediate action on a proposed policy is necessary, the motion for its adoption shall provide that immediate adoption is in the best interest of the district. No further action is required. All new or amended bylaws and policies shall become effective upon adoption, unless a specific effective date is provided in the motion for adoption. Policies and bylaws as adopted or amended shall be made a part of the minutes of the meeting at which action was taken and shall also be included in the district's policy manual.

Policy Manuals

The superintendent shall develop and maintain a current policy manual which contains the policies of the district.

The manual (disk form) is intended both as a tool for district management as well as a source of information to patrons, staff and others about how the district operates. To that end each administrator shall have ready access to the manual. The manual shall be printed and made available for use by staff, students and patrons at each school building office when requested All policy manuals distributed to anyone shall remain the property of the district. They shall be subject to recall at any time.

Administrative Procedures

The superintendent shall develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to ensure consistent implementation of policies adopted by the board.
When a written procedure is developed, the superintendent shall submit it to the board as an information item. Such procedures need not be approved by the board, though the board may revise them when it appears that they are not consistent with the board's intentions as expressed in the policies. Procedures need not be reviewed by the board prior to their issuance; though on controversial topics, the superintendent may request prior board consultation.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.320.010 Corporate powers
• RCW 28A.320.040 Directors - Bylaws
• WAC 180-16-240(h) Supplementary program standards

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised and renumbered: March 14, 2001 (from 1311 and 1312 to 1310)

Policy 1310- Policy Adoption, Manuals and Administrative Procedures

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The bylaws of the board shall be subject to suspension by a majority vote of the members present, provided all board members had received notice of the meeting and provided notice including a proposal to suspend the bylaws and an explanation of the purpose. If such proposal is not made in writing in advance of the meeting, the bylaws may be suspended only by a unanimous vote of all board members present.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.320.010 Corporate powers
• 28A.320.040 Directors - Bylaws

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Policy 1320- Suspension of the Bylaws

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Successful organizations are the result of effective and dynamic leadership. To assure a quality operation, leaders must agree on basic ways of working together. Operating protocols define the beliefs, values, and methods of working together. The Snohomish School District Board of Directors publicly commits, collectively and individually, to the following operating protocol:

• The Board will keep student needs, interests, and safety at the center of its decision making.
• The role of the Board is planning, resource allocation, policy-making, and advocacy.
• The Board will not become involved in the management of individual schools.
• The Board will practice fiscal responsibility and sound financial management to support the district’s capacity to adequately fund programs and priorities. 
• Individual Board Directors will commit to represent the needs and interests of every child in the district, without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
• The Board will discuss the issues on the agenda, not debate their fellow Directors. They will listen respectfully when other Directors are speaking and will thoughtfully ask questions to clarify the understanding of their comments.
• The Board supports and encourages open expression of ideas, thoughts, and comments, and will listen with an open mind and demonstrate flexibility and creativity in seeking solutions.
• The Board will consider equity in the Board’s resource allocation and policy development.
• The Board recognizes and appreciates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each Director.
• Individual Board Directors will strive to avoid any perception or appearance of a conflict of interest per Policy 1610.
• Board Directors agree to place items on the agenda prior to each Board meeting in order to avoid surprise to their colleagues and staff.
• Communications between staff and the Board are important and are facilitated by the process established in Policy 1331P. 
• The Board will direct others to present their district issues, problems, or proposals to the appropriate person.
• All personnel concerns, or issues received by the Board or its individual Directors will be directed to the Superintendent.
• Board meetings will be for consideration, information and action. Board Directors agree to “move the question” or “table the question” when discussion is repetitive. Workshops will be for planning, discussions, deliberation, and direction.
• The Board will consider research, recommendations, best practices and public input in its decision-making.
• The Board gives its full and undivided attention to the business at hand, refraining from texting, emailing or side bar conversations during the meeting.
• Individual Board Directors will attend all Board meetings and will notify the Board president and Superintendent in advance of the meeting if unable to attend. If a Director misses a meeting, they will take responsibility for obtaining information shared at meetings when their absence is unavoidable.
• At meetings the Board president will be cognizant of time and will consistently enforce the Board’s protocol for meetings.
• The Superintendent will make recommendations on most matters before the Board.
• The Board president will communicate regularly with the Superintendent.
• The Board president or designee will be the Board spokesperson.
• Only the Board as a whole has authority. Individual Board Directors will respect majority decisions and will not take unilateral action.
• Executive sessions will be conducted according to the Open Public Meetings Act. Board Directors must be aware of the legal ramifications of their meetings and comments.
• The Board will set clear goals for itself and the Superintendent per Policy 1810 and facilitate goal-setting for the Snohomish School District.
• Individual Board Directors who attend training and networking opportunities will share that information with the Board. 
• Individual Board Directors will be advocates for public education, by being well-informed, and prepared for public meetings. Board Directors will read all materials in advance of meetings and be prepared to act on agenda items.
• The Board will conduct a periodic self-evaluation. 

The Superintendent will develop procedures on the operating principals for the Board.

Classification: Encouraged

Adoption Date: January 14, 1998

Revised Date: February 8, 2023

Policy 1331- Operating Protocol

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Board of Directors
Operating Protocol
Procedures Board Communications
Board Communication with each other

The following communications procedures are established:

1. Deal in a timely and direct manner with concerns and/or conflicts.

2. First go to those involved when things are done or said that are inappropriate or disrespectful and provide input/feedback.

3. Acknowledge and apologize when or if your words or actions offended anyone.

4. Seek to understand the intent of each other’s words/actions.

5. Accept apologies and extend some “grace” allowing learning to occur.

6. Hold each other to our commitment to communicate mutual respect.

7. Continually talk to each other “communicate”.

8. Listen deeply to each other.

9. Recognize that all voices are equally important.

Staff Communications to the Board

All communications or reports to the Board or individual Board Directors from staff members must be submitted through the Superintendent. This does not deny any staff member's right to follow appropriate policies to appeal decisions and actions to the Board.

Board Communications to Staff and Public

All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concerns will be communicated to the public or staff members through the Superintendent.

Visits to Schools

Individual Board Directors interested in visiting schools or classrooms will make arrangements for visitations through the Superintendent or designee. Such visits will be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Board Directors will be carried out only with the full knowledge of staff, including the Superintendent, principals, and other supervisors.

Social Interaction

Staff and Board Directors share an interest in the schools and in education. When they meet at social affairs and other functions, informal discussion on such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations can be anticipated. Discussions of personalities or staff grievances are not appropriate and will not occur.

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised Date: February 8, 2023, May 8, 2023

Procedure 1331P- Operating Protocol Procedures

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For the conduct of the business of the district, the superintendent shall grant authority to specific staff to sign certain documents in behalf of the district.

Legal Reference:

• RCW 28A.400.030 Superintendent's duties

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Policy 1332- Authorization of Signatures

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Meetings

Board meetings will be scheduled in compliance with the law as deemed by the Board to be in the best interests of the district and community. The Board will function through regular meetings, special meetings, and emergency meetings.

1. Regular Meetings - Regular meetings are normally held at 6:00pm (unless special circumstances) on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Board Room at the Resource Service Center or at other times and places as determined by the presiding officer or by majority vote of the Board. An agenda of the business the Board will transact must be posted on the district website not less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the published start time of the meeting.

If the Board will hold regular meetings at places other than the Board Room at the Resource Service Center, or if the Board adjourns to times other than a regular meeting time, the Board will provide notice of the meeting in the same manner as provided for special meetings. All regular meetings of the Board will be held within the district boundaries.

2. Special Meetings - Special meetings may be called by the chair/president or at the request of a majority of the Board members. A written notice of a special meeting, stating the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted will be delivered to each Board member not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the meeting. Written notice will also be sent not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting to each local newspaper of general circulation and to any radio or television station that has filed a written request for such notices. Written notice may be delivered personally, by mail, facsimile, or email. Written notice must also be posted on the district’s website. The Board will not take final disposition on any matter other than those items stated in the meeting notice.

3. Emergency Meetings - In the event of an emergency involving fire, flood, earthquake, possible personal injury or property damage, the Board may meet immediately and take official action without prior notification.

Public Notice

Public notice will be properly given for any special meeting, whenever a regular meeting is adjourned to another time, or when a regular meeting is to be held at a place other than the Board Room at the Resource Service Center.

All meetings will be open to the public, with the exception of executive or closed sessions authorized by law. The Board will take final action resulting from executive session discussions during a meeting open to the public as required by law.

Individuals with disabilities who may need a modification to participate in a meeting should contact the superintendent's office no later than three days before a regular meeting and as soon as possible in advance of a special meeting, so arrangements for the modification can be made.

During the interim between meetings, the office of the superintendent, as Board secretary, will be the office of the Board. The district's public records will be open for inspection in the manner provided by and subject to the limitation of the law.

Quorum and Voting

Three Board members will be considered as constituting a quorum for the transaction of business, including voting. Board members are not required to be physically present to attend a Board meeting. Any or all Board members may attend a Board meeting and vote via a communication platform that provides simultaneous aural communication with those in attendance. Additionally, any meeting held via communication platform must:

1. Include proper notice with any required passwords or authorization codes;

2. Be known and accessible to the public, and

3. Accommodate any member of the public who wishes to participate.

The Board will take no action by secret ballot at any meeting. The Board votes on motions and resolutions by “voice” vote, unless a Board member requests to vote by oral roll call, in which case the Board will do so. A motion passes when a majority of those Board members present and voting vote in favor. However, a majority vote of all Board members is required to elect or select a Superintendent or Board officer and the Board must vote on these matters by an oral roll call.

The Board will vote by an oral roll call whenever required by law.

Meeting Conduct and Order of Business

All Board meetings will be conducted in an orderly and business-like manner. The Board uses Roberts Rules of Order (Revised) as a guide, except when such rules are superseded by Board policies. During Board meetings, Board members will refrain from communicating electronically (e.g., by email, text, social media) with their fellow Board members. The order of business will be that indicated in the agenda. Any additions or changes in the prepared agenda may be requested by the Superintendent or a Board member and must be approved by majority vote of the Board members present.

The Board will establish its regular order of business but may elect to change the order by a majority vote of the members.

Public Attendance and Comment

Any member of the public may attend Board meetings, including individuals who do not live within district boundaries. The Board will not require people to sign in, complete questionnaires, or establish other conditions for attendance.

The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings. In order to permit fair and orderly expression of public comment, the Board will provide a period of the meeting during which visitors may address the Board on any topic within the scope of the Board’s responsibility. The Board may structure the public comment period, including determining the total time allotted for public comment. The Board is not obligated to provide additional public comment time to accommodate everyone in attendance who wishes to speak. Any structure the Board poses will be content neutral.

The Board may require those who wish to speak (but not all attendees) to sign in at the podium or online through this Public Comment link so that the Board has a tally of individuals who wish to speak and can call them forward. When called to speak, individuals will identify themselves and proceed to make comments within the time limit established by the Board. The Board is not obligated to respond to questions or challenges made during the public comment period and the Board’s silence will not signal agreement or endorsement of the speaker’s remarks. The Board may control the time, place and manner of public comments. The chair/president may terminate an individual’s statement when the allotted time has passed and may interrupt a speaker to require the same standard of civility that the Board imposes on itself. Examples of uncivil comments include comments that:

• Are libelous or slanderous;
• Are an unwarranted invasion of privacy;
• Are obscene or indecent pursuant to the Federal Communications Act or any rule or regulation of the Federal Communications Commission;
• Violate school district policy or procedure related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or discrimination;
• Incite an unlawful act on school premises or violate a lawful school regulation; or
• Create a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the Board meeting

The Board as a whole has the final decision in determining the appropriateness of all such rulings and can maintain order by removing those who are disruptive. However, the Board recognizes the distinction between uncivil discourse, which it will not tolerate, and comments about the Board, district, and/or staff that are negative yet still civil in nature and will exercise its authority to maintain order in a content neutral manner.

In addition to the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting, the Board will identify the agenda items that would benefit from the opportunity for public comment and provide those opportunities as part of the meeting agenda before taking final action. Individuals who wish to speak about specific agenda items are encouraged to state so when signing up at the podium or online to speak.

Opportunity for public comment is required before the Board adopts or amends a policy that is not expressly or by implication authorized under state or federal law, but which will promote the education of K-12 students, or will promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district.

Cross References:

• Policy 1220 Board Officers and Duties of Board Members
• Policy 1410 Executive or Closed Sessions
• Policy 1420 Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.330.020 Certain Board elections, manner and vote required –Selection of personnel, manner
• RCW 28A.320.040 Directors - Bylaws for Board and school government
• RCW 28A.330.070 Office of Board—Records available for public inspection
• RCW 28A.343.370 Vacancies
• RCW 28A.343.380 Meetings
• RCW 28A.343.390 Quorum - Failure to attend meetings
• RCW 42.30.030 Meetings declared open and public
• RCW 42.30.050 Interruptions – Procedures
• RCW 42.30.060 Ordnances, rules, regulations, etc.,adopted at public meetings – Notices - Secret BallotVoting prohibited
• RCW 42.30.070 Times and places for meetings – Emergencies – Exception
• RCW 42.30.080 Special Meetings
• 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213 Americans with Disabilities Act

Classification: Essential

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revision Dates: January 24, 2001, April 25, 2001 (Added deleted policies 1430 & 1440), August 12, 2009, May 11 ,2022

Policy 1400- Meeting Conduct, Order of Business and Quorum

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The district must advertise all meetings, including work sessions and retreats, as meetings that  are open to the public. If a Board wishes to devote all or most of a special meeting to an issue or issues to be discussed in executive session (Policy #1410), the special meeting should be  called to order and recessed to an executive session. The purpose of the executive session should be announced and recorded in the minutes (e.g., real estate matters, litigation). 

All regular meetings must be held within the district boundaries. Special meetings may be held  outside the district with proper notice of the time and location. 

Meeting Notices 

A regular meeting does not require a public notice if held at the time and place provided by  Board policy. If the Board does not meet at its regular location, the meeting should be treated  as a special meeting with proper notice to the press stating the time, place and purpose of the  meeting. 

If the Board is to discuss an item in executive session in accordance with Policy 1410, the item  of business must also appear on the agenda if final action is to be taken following the executive  session. 

No meeting notice is required when the Board is acting as a quasi-judicial body in a matter  between named parties (e.g., hearing on discharge, nonrenewal or discipline of an employee,  unless the employee requests a public meeting; hearing regarding suspension or expulsion of a  student, unless the student requests a public meeting) or for the purpose of planning or  adopting strategy or positions to be taken in collective bargaining, grievance or mediation  proceedings, or reviewing such proposals made by a bargaining unit. 

Board Work Sessions 

The Board will allow individuals to attend and listen to discussions of the Board during its work  sessions. The purpose of the work sessions is to create a time when district information and issues can be discussed. The Board will take no official action at work sessions. 

Meeting Recess and Continuation

The Board may recess a regular or special meeting to a specific future time. Notice of such a 40 recess and continuation must be posted at or near the door of the meeting room. Notification 41 to the press is not required. 

Adopted: April 1, 2002 
Revised Date: May 11, 2022

Procedure 1400P- Meeting Conduct, Order of Business and Quorum Procedures

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Before convening in executive session, the chair/president shall publicly announce the general
purpose for excluding the public from the meeting place and the time when the executive session 
will be concluded. The executive session may be extended to a stated later time by announcement 
of the chair/president.

An executive session may be conducted for one or more of the following purposes:

A. To consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase when 
public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased price;

B. To consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when
public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of decreased price; 
however, the final action of selling or leasing public property shall be taken in a meeting open 
to the public;

C. To review negotiations on the performance of publicly-bid contracts when public knowledge 
regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased costs;
 
D. To receive and evaluate complaints or charges brought against a director or staff member;
however, upon the request of such director or staff member, a public hearing or a meeting
open to the public shall be conducted on such complaint or charge;

E. To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the
performance of a staff member; however, discussion of salaries, wages, and other conditions 
of employment to be generally applied within the district shall occur in a meeting open to the 
public, and when the board elects to take the final action of hiring, setting the salary of an
individual staff member or class of staff members, or discharging or disciplining an employee, 
that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the public;

F. To evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to the board; however, any
interview of such candidate and final action appointing a candidate to the board shall be in a 
meeting open to the public; or

G. To discuss with legal counsel representing the district matters relating to district enforcement 
actions, litigation, or potential litigation to which the district, the board, or a member acting 
in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the 
discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the district. 
Potential litigation means matters protected by attorney-client privilege related to litigation
that has been specifically threatened; litigation that the district reasonably believes may be
commenced; or the litigation or legal risks of a proposed action or current practice of the district, if public discussion is likely to result in an adverse or financial  consequence to the district.

The Open Public Meetings Act does not apply to certain board activities and public notice is not 
required prior to holding a closed session for any of the following purposes:

A. Consideration of a quasi-judicial matter between named parties as distinguished from a
matter having a general effect on the public or a class or group; or

B. Collective bargaining sessions with employee organizations or professional negotiations with 
an employee, including contract negotiations, grievance meetings, and discussions relating
to the interpretation or application of a labor agreement, or when the board is planning or
adopting the strategy or position to be taken during the course of collective bargaining,
professional negotiations, grievance or mediation proceedings, or reviewing the proposals
made in the negotiations or proceedings while in progress.

Legal References:

• RCW 42.30.110 Executive sessions
• 42.30.140 Chapter controlling— Application

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: June 8, 1994,  April 25, 2001, March 13, 2002

Policy 1410- Executive or Closed Sessions

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Whenever possible each Board member will give advance notice to the Board president or Superintendent of his/her inability to attend a Board meeting.    

The Board may declare a Board member's position vacant after four (4) consecutive unexcused absences from regular Board meetings, if the absences were for reasons other than illness or active or military training.  

If a Board member is on active duty or training status with the military, the Board will grant an extended leave of absence to cover the period of service or training. The extended leave of absence may not have the effect of extending the Board member’s term. The Board also has the authority to appoint a temporary successor to the absent Board member’s position. The temporary successor will serve until the Board member returns or the end of the Board member’s term.  

Cross References:

• Policy 1220 – Board Officers and Duties of Board Members
• Policy 1114 – Board Member Resignation and Vacancy  

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.343.390 Directors - Quorum - Failure to attend meetings    
• RCW 42.12.010 Causes of vacancy        
• RCW 73.16.041 Leaves of absence of elective and judicial officers  

Classification: Encouraged  

Adoption Date:   November 26, 1991

Revised:  February 13, 2002, December 12, 2018 

Policy 1450- Absences of Board Members

The board secretary shall be responsible for preparing the proposed agenda for each meeting, in
accordance with the president. Copies of the proposed agenda, minutes of the previous meeting
and relevant supplementary information will be delivered to each board member at least three (3)
days in advance of the meeting and will be available to any interested citizen at the
superintendent's office twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.

To expedite business at a school board meeting, the board approves the use of a consent agenda
which includes those items considered to be routine in nature. The consent agenda will appear on
the regular board agenda following the Approval of minutes of the previous meeting(s).

Any item which appears on the consent agenda may be removed from the consent agenda by a
member of the board. The remaining items will be voted on by a single motion. The approved
motion will be recorded in the minutes, including a listing of all items appearing on the consent
agenda.

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.330.040 Directors— Bylaws
• 28A.400.030 Superintendent's duties

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: November 14, 2001

Policy 1420- Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda

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The secretary of the Board is responsible for causing minutes to be kept of all Board meetings. Minutes become official after approval at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting and must be retained as a permanent record of the district.    

Minutes will be comprehensive and will show:  

A. The date, time and place of the meeting;  
B. The presiding officer;  
C. Members in attendance;  
D. Items discussed during the meeting and the results of any voting that may have occurred;
E. Action to recess for executive session with a general statement of the purpose;  
F. Time of adjournment; and  
G. Signature of presiding officer and date minutes approved. Unofficial minutes will be provided to Board members in advance of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.    

A file of official minutes of all Board meetings will be maintained in the office of the Board secretary to be made available for inspection upon the request of any interested citizen. Except as otherwise provided by law, official minutes will not be destroyed until approved for destruction by the appropriate personnel. Minutes will be preserved in a manner that protects them from loss and is compliant with the retention requirements set forth in the applicable state records retention schedule.  

Cross Reference:

• Policy 6570 – Property and Data Management  

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.400.030 Superintendent's duties
• RCW 40.14.070 Destruction, disposition, donation of local government records – Preservation for historical interest – Local records committee, duties – Record retention schedules – sealed record  

Adoption Date:  November 26, 1991

Revised:  February 13, 2002

Revised Date: January 12, 2022   

Policy 1440- Minutes

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No school Board director or district officer (such as the Superintendent)  may benefit , directly or indirectly, by any contract made by, through, or under the supervision of the director or Superintendent, except as provided below:

•  Any contract, purchase of materials, or activity paid for from school funds if the total volume received by the district officer or their  business does not exceed  $1,500.00 in any calendar month. The district will  maintain a list of all contracts covered under this paragraph and the list will  be available for public inspection and copying;  
•  An individual director may be designated as clerk and/or purchasing agent at the prevailing hourly wage;
• The spouse of a director or the Superintendent may be employed as a substitute teacher on the same terms and at the same compensation as other substitute teachers in the district. The Superintendent must find that the number of qualified substitute teachers in the district is insufficient to meet the anticipated needs for short-term and one-day substitute teachers, and the Superintendent must ensure that substitute teachers are assigned to available positions in a fair and impartial manner;
• Prior to approval of the employment of a director or spouse of a school director or Superintendent, the Board of Directors will  be advised of the number of other individuals who are qualified for and interested in the position(s) to be filled. The district will  not discriminate in any way against any applicant for a certified position or any certificated employee on the basis of a family relationship with a school director or the Superintendent.  All employment decisions will  be made on the basis of choosing the applicant which furthers the best interest of the school district;
• If a person is employed by the district under contract as a classified or certificated employee before their  spouse becomes a director or Superintendent, the contract can be renewed for further employment, provided that the terms of the contract are commensurate with the pay plan or collective bargaining agreement operating in the district for that position; or
• The director or officer has only a remote interest in a contract and the interest is disclosed prior to Board action and recorded in the official minutes.  

A director may not vote on the authorization, approval, or ratification of a contract in which they   are beneficially interested and to which one of the exemptions described above applies. Before the Board approves a contract in which a Director is beneficially interested, the Director must disclose their interest to the Board, and the Director’s interest must be noted in the official minutes.  

Whenever a director, or their spouse or dependent is employed by the district, the director will refrain from participating in or attempting to influence any board action affecting the employment status of the director, spouse or dependent. Actions affecting employment status include, but are not limited to, hiring, establishing compensation and fringe benefits, setting working conditions, conducting performance evaluations, considering or imposing discipline and termination.  

The Superintendent will  maintain a log of any contract subject to this policy and, annually or when a new director assumes office, will  inform the Board of the existence of all such contracts.    

Legal References:

• RCW  28A.405.250 Certificated employees, applicants for certificated position, not to be discriminated against – Right to inspect personnel file  
• RCW 28A.635.050 Certain corrupt practices of school officials––Penalty  
• RCW 42.23.030 Interest in contracts prohibited––Excepted cases  
• RCW 42.23.040 Remote interests  

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revision Dates: November 23, 1994, October 25, 1995, August 28, 1996, March 13, 2002, December 14,  2022 

Policy 1610- Conflicts of Interest

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The Snohomish School District, in its commitment to excellence, places the success of each student at the center of all decisions and actions. Partnerships and strong academic programs ensure competent, responsible, lifelong learners.

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: February 25, 1998 

Policy 1710- The Mission of the Board

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As a means of fulfilling its mission, the board requests each of its members to subscribe to the Code of Ethics adopted by the Washington State School Directors' Association. That code provides that each board member will:

• Be a staunch advocate of free public education;  
• Uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations and court orders pertaining to schools. (Desired changes should be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.);
• Make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and strive for public schools which can meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, sex, creed or social standing;
• Join with fellow members on the board, the staff, the community and the students in continuing study of the nature, value and direction of contemporary education in society in order to facilitate needed charge in our schools;
• Work unremittingly to help the people of the community understand the importance of public education and the need to support it;
• Strive to ensure that people are accurately informed about our schools and try to interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools;
• Recognize that his/her responsibility is not to run the schools but, together with fellow board members, to see that they are well run;
• Confine his/her board action to policy making, planning and appraisal and help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them;
• Arrive at conclusions only after discussing all aspects of the issues at hand with fellow board members assembled in meeting;
• Recognize that authority rests with the whole board assembled in public meetings and make no personal promises nor take any private action which may compromise the board;
• Refuse to surrender independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends;
• Hold confidential matters pertaining to schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or schools;
• Vote to appoint, upon proper recommendation by the appropriate administrative officer, the best trained technical and professional staff available;
• Support and protect staff in the proper performance of their duties; and,
• Refer all complaints to the superintendent and act upon such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Policy 1711- Code of Ethics

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The successful operation of schools requires a close, effective working relationship between the board and the superintendent.  The relationship must be one of trust, good will and candor. As the legally designated governing body, the board retains final authority within the district. The superintendent is the board's professional advisor, to whom the board delegates executive responsibility.  

Procedures regarding expectations and responsibilities for both the board and the superintendent will be developed.  

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991  

Revised: February 9, 1994 

Policy 1720- Board-Superintendent Relations

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1. Visioning  

1.1 The board will communicate the district's vision and goals as well as their goals, decisions and actions with the community at-large.  

1.2 The board will hold the superintendent and staff responsible for developing the implementation and evaluation strategies for each of the five goals of the strategic plan.  

1.3 The board will hold the superintendent/staff responsible for on-going strategic planning.  

1.4 The board will receive and discuss information regarding strategic planning on an on-going basis.    

2. Operations  

2.1 Board members will prepare prior to meetings and request needed background information of the superintendent ahead of time.  

2.2 Board members will share pertinent information/activities with board members and superintendent.  

2.3 The board as a whole will make decisions.  

2.4 The board members will honor confidentialities.  

2.5 The board will be committed to its on-going relevant development.  

2.6 The board members and the superintendent will provide an effective orientation for new board members.  

2.7 The board will keep the superintendent informed to minimize surprises.  

2.8 The board will perform all duties as prescribed by law.  

2.9 The board will respect the differences between their policy-setting role and the superintendent's administrative role.  

2.10 The board members will be available to meet with the superintendent/designee when needed.  

2.11 The board president will provide leadership for conducting the board meetings.  

2.12 The board will evaluate the board with input from the superintendent based upon the agreed-upon expectations and timeline.

 2.13 The board and superintendent will demonstrate their respect and integrity for each other.  

2.14 The board will support the superintendent in the belief that there must be effective teamwork at all levels of the organization.  

2.15 The board will participate in individual and group training.      

3. Communications  

3.1 The board will communicate honestly, openly and timely among themselves and with the superintendent, including keeping each other informed of activities that have implications for future actions.  

3.2 The board will seek out and make themselves available to receive feed-back from the community.  

3.3 The board members will refer community members to the appropriate person to resolve their concerns.  

3.4 The board will summarize their discussions and decisions prior to leaving a meeting to assure all members have the same understanding.  

3.5 The board will seek out and make themselves available to schools.  

4. Board Decision-Making  

4.1 The board members will understand the rationale and implications for recommendations and, if unclear, board members are encouraged to ask questions.  

4.2 The board members will listen open-mindedly and accept and respect differences of opinion.  

4.3 Once a final board decision is reached, each member has the responsibility to support the decision and aid in its implementation.  

4.4 The board will make decisions based on facts and data with appropriate involvement of people affected by the decision.  

4.5 The board will be proactive in its approach to decision-making.  

5. Accountability  

5.1 The board will be responsible for developing, reviewing and revising policy that relates to the board's role and for reviewing and adopting other district policies in alignment with the vision of the district.                                

5.2 The board will make decisions which attract and maintain quality staff in the district.                                         

5.3 The board will identify programs to be evaluated and make decisions regarding the results of those evaluations.  

5.4 The board will promote educational reform activities within the school community.    

5.5 The board will generate ideas which make the school district more effective, efficient and responsive to the varied needs of the district’s constituents.            

Revised: February 9, 1994, October 11, 1995, September 25, 1996

Procedure 1720P.1- Board-Superintendent Relations (Expectations)

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Board-Superintendent Relations (Responsibilities)

The board shall:

• Select the superintendent and delegate to him/her all necessary administrative powers.
• Adopt policies for the operation and direction of the school system and review administrative procedures.
• Provide direction for the educational program, approve courses of study, and adopt textbooks and teaching materials.
• Review state and federal annual report on district programs.
• Approve the annual budget, approve payment of vouchers and payroll, and review monthly fiscal reports.
• Employee staff upon recommendation of the superintendent.
• Approve contracts for construction and approve proposed changes of school plant and facilities.
• Approve collective bargaining agreements. ?? Establish bond and levy amounts.
• Approve purchase and disposal of real property. ?? May appoint citizens and staff to serve on special committees.
• May serve as final hearing officer for staff, citizens, and students as permitted by statute and collective bargaining agreements.

Revised: May 26, 1993 (Changed from 6110P.1 to 1720P.2: February 9, 1994) 

Procedure 1720P.2- Board-Superintendent Relations (Responsibilities)

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The board shall establish evaluative criteria and shall be responsible for evaluating the performance of the board. Procedures shall be established for conducting an annual evaluation. Timelines will also be established for reviewing and revising board expectations (No. 1720P.1) and board responsibilities (No. 1720P.2).  

Cross References:  

• Board Policy No.  1720 Board Superintendent Relations  
• 1720P.1 Board Superintendent Relations (Expectations)
• 1720P.2 Board Superintendent Relations (Responsibilities)

Adoption Date: February 9, 1994 

Policy 1722- Evaluation of the Board

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Performance related to responsibilities and expectations, and as well as performance related to specific goals shall serve as the focus for the evaluation of the board. Each board member shall provide input into the self-evaluation process so that the board as a whole can assess progress toward expectations, responsibilities and specific goals.  

By June 30, the board shall hold an executive session for the purpose of assessing the performance of the board for the preceding year.  The board shall, in executive session, discuss the assessment based on input from each individual member. Through discussion, the information will be compiled so that a report can be written.  At that meeting, the board shall also discuss general goals for the board for the forthcoming school year. At the August board work session, the board will review those goals and share them with the superintendent. The superintendent  shall formally present  these goals at  the regular August board meeting.

By January 31, the board shall hold an executive session for the purpose of completing a mid-year evaluation of the board's performance. The board shall, in executive session, share information regarding progress toward expectations, responsibilities, and the specific goals for the year. The information shall be compiled in written report form. At this meeting, the board shall be able to add, delete or revise specific goals so that focus areas for the remainder of the year are set.

Revised: February 9, 1994 

Procedure 1722P- Evaluation of the Board

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The actual travel expenses of Board members who attend conferences or meetings as representatives of the district may be paid.  Such expenses for conferences may be paid in advance. Advance payments may not exceed the reasonably anticipated travel expenses of the Board member to be necessarily incurred during the travel. Board members will use discretion in accruing actual expenses for which they will seek reimbursement. A Board member may be reimbursed for gratuities not exceeding customary percentages for the cost of meals as well as reasonable amounts for such services as baggage handling when the costs are incurred while the individual is engaged in district business or other approved travel.    

Cross References:

• Policy 6213 Reimbursement for Travel Expenses    
• Policy 6212 Charge Cards

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.320.050 Reimbursement of expenses of directors, other school representatives, and superintendent candidates—Advancing anticipated expenses
• RCW 42.24.090 Municipal corporations and political subdivisions – Reimbursement claims by officers and employees    
• RCW 43.03.050 Subsistence, lodging and refreshment, and per diem allowance for officials, employees, and members of boards, commissions, or committees
• RCW 43.03.065 Subsistence and lodging expenses – Direct payment to suppliers authorized    
• RCW 43.030.150-.210 Advance payment of travel expenses      

Classification:  Discretionary  

Adoption Date: March 27, 2002

Revision Date: October 9, 2019   

Policy 1731- Board Member Expenses

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At a Board member's request, advance payment to cover anticipated expenses for representing the district may be made.  After returning from the meeting or conference, the Board member must submit a detailed travel voucher, with original, itemized receipts attached, and return any unexpended portion of the advance payment.

Advanced travel payments are provided to defray a Board member’s necessary costs while performing his or her official duties. Any expenditure of travel advance payments for other than official business purposes is considered a misappropriation of public funds.  

Reimbursable expenses are:  

A. Transportation expense including fares for commercial or public carriers (coach rate) and  mileage at the district-approved rate when using one's own private vehicle;  

B. Fees and registration costs for conferences and meetings;

C. Hotel or motel fees at a single-room rate; additional charges for a spouse, personal telephone calls, personal expenses, and other unnecessary room charges will not be    reimbursed (including such things as room service, movies, gratuities, mini-bar, etc.);  

D. Such incidental expenses as parking fees, reasonable duplication costs and the like which are incurred for the benefit of the district.

Expenses for personal benefit or entertainment will not be reimbursed.  

Meals Per Diem Rates:

The district recognizes the financial benefit of establishing standard per meal eligibility for in-state and out-of-state travel to facilitate the efficient management of the meal reimbursement process. Meal eligibility is based on guidelines provided by the US General Services Administration (GSA) and the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). An individual is eligible for meal per diem only for overnight travel. Meal per diem includes taxes and tips.To receive per diem on the first and last day of travel, you must be in travel status at least (3) hours beyond your normal work hours. Submit the Travel Per Diem Request form (6231F1) at least (5) five days prior to travel or upon completion of travel.  

• Breakfast $15
• Lunch  $20
• Dinner  $30

Adoption Date: March 27, 2002

Revision Date: October 9, 2019 

Procedure 1731P- Board Member Expenses

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The district shall maintain sufficient insurance to protect the board and its individual members against liability arising from actions of the board or its individual members while each is acting on behalf of the district and within his/her authority as a board member.

An individual board member may participate at his/her own cost in any of the personal liability, life, health, health care, accident, disability, salary protection or other form of insurance made available to district staff if plan sponsors permit such participation.

Cross Reference: 

• Board Policy 8310  Liability Insurance  

Legal References:

• RCW 4.24.470- Liability of officials and members of governing body of public agency
• RCW 4.96.040  Elected officials of special purpose districts - Immunity from civil liability
  • 28A.400.360 Liability insurance for officials and employees authorized
  • 28A.320.060 Actions against officers, employees or agents of school districts and educational service districts - Defense, costs, fees - Payment of obligation
  • 28A.320.060 Officers, employees or agents of school districts or educational service districts, insurance to protect and hold personally harmless

Adopted:  November 26, 1991 

Policy 1732- Board Member Insurance

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A Board member is eligible to receive compensation at the rate of fifty dollars ($50) per day, or for a portion of a day for the following activities:

A. Attending regular or special meetings of the Board;

B. Serving as a designated representative of the Board, including, but not limited to, such activities as: school committees, community development and/or betterment committees, collective bargaining, etc.;

C. Attending Board-approved training and/or development activities, including, but not limited to: regional, state, or national school Board association conferences, Board inservice meetings, etc. This may also include time involved in traveling to and from the activity; and

D. Attending special Board-related activities, including, but not limited to: meetings at the request of central office administrators, building dedications, commencement activities, staff retirements, and other such ceremonies.

Total compensation for a calendar year shall not exceed four thousand eight hundred dollars ($4,800.00), plus reasonable expenses incurred for travel, meals and lodging.

A Board member shall submit a monthly claim form which verifies the nature and amount of approved activities for which compensation is claimed during the month. A director is only eligible to make one compensation claim for a given day. A Board member may waive all or any portion of his/her compensation for any month or months during his/her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the district. The waiver may be filed any time after the member's election and before the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.

Revision Dates: November 26, 1991, March 27, 2002, December 16, 2011 

Procedure 1733P- Board Member Compensation

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Board Member Compensation Voucher

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The Board recognizes the value of meaningful, informed public participation in district deliberations and the need to conduct its affairs in a transparent manner. All Board directors will participate in training within ninety (90) days of taking the oath of office following election or appointment. The following trainings are:    

1. The Open Public Meetings Act;
2. The Public Records Act; and
3. Public Records Retention: After the initial trainings, Board directors will participate in refresher trainings on these subjects every four years that they hold office in order to remain current with new developments in open government law.      

Cross References:

• Policy 1822 – Training and Professional Development for Board Members  

Legal References:

• ESSB 5964  Open Government Training Act    
• RCW 28A.343.360 Oath of Office    
• RCW 40.14  Preservation and Destruction of Public Records    
• RCW 42.30  Open Public Meetings Act    
• RCW 42.56  Public Records Act      

Classification: Essential  

Adoption Date: December 14, 2022 

Policy 1805- Open Government Trainings

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Each year the Board will formulate goals and objectives to guide effective Board governance . The goals and objectives may include but are not limited to the Board functions of:    

A. Responsible school district governance;  

B. Communication of and commitment to high expectations for student learning;  

C. Support the Superintendent in creating an environment that enhances students and staff success;    

D. Holding the district accountable for student learning; and    

E. Community engagement  

At the conclusion of the school year, the Board will reflect on its goals by conducting a Board self-assessment and engaging in Board development activities where needed.    

Cross Reference:

• Policy 1822 – Training and Professional Development for Board Members    
• Policy 1005 – Key Functions of the Board

Classification: Encouraged  

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991, December 14, 2022 

Policy 1810- Annual Governance Goals and Objectives

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Performance Evaluation of the Board At the conclusion of each year, the board shall evaluate its own performance in terms of generally accepted principles of successful school board operations.Those principles shall relate to such areas of board operations as policy development, curriculum and instruction, management, and communication with the public. The results shall be used in setting performance standards for the board for the next school year.

Adoption Date:   November 26, 1991 

Policy 1821- Performance Evaluation of the Board

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Procedures for Performance Evaluation of the Board

Each individual board member shall annually review the code of ethics as a basis for evaluating his/her own conduct as an elected representative. Collectively, the board shall evaluate its performance in terms of its four major functions:

1. Curriculum and Instruction: education leadership by  The board should demonstrate its responsibility for providing

a. Determining needs and values of the community,

b. Developing an educational philosophy consistent with these needs and values,

c. Formulating educational goals that relate to this educational philosophy,

d. Guiding curriculum development activity directed to goals,

e. Adopting curriculum materials which reflect the goals,

f. Supporting instructional methods consistent with district philosophy, and the goals of the district.

2. Policy: The board shall demonstrate its policy development responsibilities by

a. Enacting policies that provide a definite course of action,

b. Soliciting input from staff, students and citizens before final adoption,

c. Monitoring the implementation of policies, and d. revising policy when change is necessary.

3. Management : The board should demonstrate its management responsibility by

a. Engaging an executive officer who plans, organizes, leads and controls all operations of the district, and

b. Reviewing budget proposals, fiscal needs, plant maintenance, collective bargaining proposals, fiscal controls, personnel selection procedures, purchasing processes, transportation operations, and food service operations.

4. Communication with the Public : The board should facilitate an interaction between school and community by

a. Distributing newsletters, descriptive reports, etc.

b. Holding planning and informational meetings in the community,

c. Inviting representative citizens to serve on special committees, and

d. Soliciting opinion through the use of surveys, etc.

Revised:  November 26, 1991 

Procedure 1821- Performance Evaluation of the Board

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In keeping with the need for continuing professional development to enhance governance, the Board encourages the participation of its members at appropriate School Board conferences, workshops and conventions. Additionally, Board members will obtain the trainings required by Washington state.  Funds for Board leadership training and professional development will be budgeted for on an annual basis.  

Required Training for School Board Directors

There are two areas of training required by Washington state:

• Open Government training; and
• Cultural Competency, Equity, Diversity , and Inclusion Training  

Open Government Training

School Board directors must receive Open Government training no later than 90 days after they take their oath of office or assume their duties. They can take the training before they are sworn in or assume their duties of office. School Board directors must also receive “refresher” training at intervals of no more than four years, so long as they remain on the School Board. Open Government training is available from the Washington Attorney General’s Office (www.atg.wa.gov/opengovernmenttraining.aspx) and at the annual conference of the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).  

Cultural Competency, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training

Beginning with the 2022 calendar year, each member of a Board of Directors must complete a governance training program once per term of elected office. If the director is appointed or elected to a first term of office, the director must complete governance training requirements within two years of appointment or certification of the election in which they were elected. The governance training completed by directors must be aligned with the cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards for school director governance developed and provided by WSSDA. Per Washington state law, the required training elements for both first and subsequent school director terms are defined by WSSDA.  

Recommended Professional Development for School Directors

In addition to the required areas of training above, the district is committed to ongoing professional development both for individual School Board directors and the Board as whole. Each School Board director is a member of WSSDA, which provides professional development and resources at its annual conference and through year-round leadership development services.

Cross References:

• Policy 1731 – Board Member Expenses    
• Policy 1805 – Open Government Trainings    
• Policy 1810 – Annual Governance Goals and Objectives    
• Policy 1005 – Key Functions of the Board  

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.345.120 School director governance – Cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion – Training programs  

Classification:  Encouraged  

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised Date: December 14, 2022 

Policy 1822- Training and Professional Development for Board Members

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As required by law, the board members are members of the Washington State School Directors' Association. Since the Association establishes the rate of membership dues at its annual meeting, provides services in response to members' needs and develops and implements a legislative program at the direction of its members, directors are encouraged to participate in the governance of the Association.

Legal Reference:

• RCW 28A.345.020 Membership

Adoption Date: November 26, 1991

Revised: March 13, 2002

Policy 1830- Participation in School Board Associations

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