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 elect at least three members from designated areas. 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, it may appoint a resident from that district or, if necessary, appoint a qualified resident from the broader school district to serve in an at-large capacity until the next election.

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 that not more than a majority of one member is elected at any regular election. The amendment specifies that school districts of the first class 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.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.343.300