The bill aims to enhance community representation in education by requiring school districts in Washington with enrollments of 2,000 students or more to elect school board directors from designated director districts. Specifically, for districts with more than 5,000 students, at least four board members must be elected from these districts, while those with enrollments between 2,000 and 5,000 must have at least three members elected in this manner. Districts with fewer than 2,000 students are exempt from these requirements. Additionally, if a district cannot find enough qualified candidates from the designated areas, they may appoint a resident from that district or, if necessary, appoint a qualified resident from the broader school district to serve temporarily.

The bill also amends existing law regarding the composition of school district boards. It clarifies that each member of a school board is elected by the registered voters of the district and holds a four-year term, with staggered elections to ensure continuity. The amendment specifies that school districts of the first class, which include those with a city population of 400,000 or more, will have a board of seven members, while other first and second-class districts will maintain a five-member board. This legislative change is intended to promote diversity and better representation within school governance.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.343.300