1000: Legal Status and Operation

Legal Status

The board of directors of the Bellevue School District is the corporate entity established by the state of Washington to plan and direct all aspects of the district's operations to ensure quality in the content of the district's educational program and provide students with an opportunity to achieve those skills recognized as requisite to learning.

The policies of the board define the organization of the board and its manner of conducting 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 the Bellevue School District No. 405, King 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 accomplishing the district mission, the board will 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, regulations of the State Board of Education (Title 180 WAC), and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Title 392 WAC) delineate the legal powers, duties, and responsibilities of the board.

Number of Members and Terms of Office

The board will consist of five members, elected by ballot by the registered voters of the district. Except as otherwise provided by law, board members will hold office for terms of four years and until their successors are elected and sworn into office. Terms of board members will be staggered as provided by law. Newly-elected directors will 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 will take and subscribe to an oath of office.

Cross References

• Board Policy 1111 Oath of office

Legal References

• RCW 28A.150.230 Basic Education Act — District school directors' responsibilities
• RCW 28A 300.065 Classification and numbering system of school districts
• RCW 28A.315.035 Organization of school districts
• RCW 28A.320.010 Corporate powers
• RCW 28A.320.020 Liability for debts and judgments
• RCW 28A.320.040 Directors — Bylaws for board and school government
• RCW 28A.343.300 Director —Terms — Numbers
• RCW 28A.343.320 Directors — Declarations of candidacy — Positions as separate offices
• RCW 28A.343.330 Directors — Ballots — Form
• RCW 28A.343.360 Directors — Oath of Office
• RCW 29A.20.030 Local officers, beginning of terms — Organization of district boards of directors
• RCW 29A.20.040 Local elected officials, commencement of term of office — Purpose