Key Functions of the Board

The research-based WA School Board standards outline the primary functions of the school board. These standards are linked to higher student achievement and more effective governance practices:

Responsible School District Governance:

Provide responsible school district governance by:

  • Conducting board and district business in a fair, respectful, and responsible manner.
  • Ensuring the board is accountable and open to the public, including seeking divergent and diverse perspectives in its decision-making process.
  • Respecting and advocating mutual understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and the superintendent.
  • Adopting policies based on well-researched practices that emphasize a belief that all students can achieve at high levels and that support continuous improvement of student achievement.
  • Promoting healthy relationships by communicating supportively; inspiring, motivating, and empowering others; and exercising influence in a positive manner.
  • Working as an effective and collaborative team.

Creating Conditions District-Wide for Student and Staff Success:

Create conditions district-wide for student and staff success by:

  1. Providing for the safety and wellness of all students and staff;
  2. Employing and supporting quality teachers, administrators and other staff and providing for their professional development;
  3. Providing for learning essentials, including rigorous curriculum, technology and high-quality facilities;
  4. Ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for an efficient and effective learning environment; and 
  5. Adopting and monitoring an annual budget that allocates resources based on the district’s vision, goals and priorities for student learning.

Communication of and Commitment to High Expectations for Student Learning:

Set and communicate high expectations for student learning with clear goals and plans for meeting those expectations by:

  • Articulating the conviction that each and every student can learn and the belief that student learning can improve regardless of existing circumstances or resources;
  • Leading the development, articulation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by schools and the community;
  • Adopting a collaboratively developed district strategic plan focused on learning and achievement outcomes for each and every student; and
  • Ensuring non-negotiable goals for student achievement are established and aligned with the district’s strategic plan.

Holding the District Accountability for Student Learning:

Hold school district accountable for meeting student learning expectations by:

  • Committing to continuous improvement in student achievement at each school and throughout the district;
  • Evaluating the superintendent on clear and focused expectations; and
  • Measuring student academic progress and needs based on valid and reliable assessments.

Engagement of the Community in Education:

Engage the local community and represent the values and expectations they hold for their schools by:

  • Collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources;
  • Ensuring school board and district transparency through a process that is open and accountable;
  • Ensuring district information and decisions are communicated community-wide; and
  • Soliciting input from staff and a wide spectrum of the community so that a diverse range of interests and perspectives on issues is considered.

Annually the board will reflect on the degree to which it has operated according to its key functions by conducting a board self-assessment and engaging in board development activities where needed.

For more information, visit the WSSDA School Board Standards.

Cross References:   

Board Policy 1310 – Policy Adoption, Manuals and Administrative Procedures
Board Policy 1810 – Annual Governance Goals and Objectives
Board Policy 1820 – Board Self-Assessment

Management Resources:

Policy News, October 2025

Policy News, 2012 – February Issue

Adoption Date: 06/26/13
Classification: Discretionary
Revised Dates: 01/07/26

Policies and Procedures