This bill aims to update the compensation structure for school board directors in Washington State, which has remained unchanged for 40 years. It amends RCW 28A.343.400 to increase the daily compensation for school board members from $50 to $100, with an annual cap of $13,750. Additionally, any compensation exceeding $3,000 per year must be authorized by the board at a regular meeting. The bill also stipulates that compensation can only be paid from locally collected excess levy funds and ensures that it does not create any future funding obligations for the state. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for directors to waive their compensation and mandates a review of compensation limits every five years based on cost-of-living adjustments.

In addition to compensation changes, the bill establishes a new training program for school directors on funding and finance, which must be developed by the Washington State School Directors' Association. All current and future school directors are required to complete this training within specified timeframes, and they will not incur any fees for attendance. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding state and local funding structures, budgeting practices, and fiscal accountability. It also includes a provision that makes the training program null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.343.400, 28A.320.050
Substitute bill: 28A.343.400, 28A.320.050