1105: Electoral Systems

It is the responsibility of the board of directors to establish the electoral system used for electing board members.

Authority under RCW 28A.343.040

The Board of directors, with the assistance of the administration, the Educational Service District, the State Redistricting Commission and consultants (e.g. attorneys, demographic experts, etc.) as appropriate, will prepare for the divisions or redivision of the district no later than eight months of any of the following:

1. Receipt of federal decennial census data from the redistricting commission;
2. Consolidation of the district with one or more other districts into one district;
3. Transfer of territory to or from the district or dissolution and annexation of the district; or
4. Approval by a majority of the district's registered voters of a proposition to divide the district into director districts pursuant to RCW 28A.343.030

Authority under Washington Voting Rights Act

The district will ensure that its voting system does not impair the ability of a protected class or classes, as defined by the Washington Voting Rights Act, to have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice as a result of dilution or abridgement of the rights of voters who are members of a protected class or classes.

To remedy a potential violation of the Washington Voting Rights Act, the district may change its electoral system, which may include, but is not limited to implementing director districts.

---

Cross References

• Board Policy 1113 Board Member Residency

Legal References

• RCW 29A.76.010 Counties, municipal corporations, and special purpose districts
• RCW 28A.343.030 Certain school director districts — provisions relating to certain school districts — Election to authorize division in school districts not already divided into director districts
• RCW 28A.343.040 School director districts — provisions relating to certain school districts-- Division or redivision of district into director districts
• RCW 28A.343.050 School director districts — provisions relating to certain school districts — Dissolution of directors' districts
• RCW 28A.315.195 Organization and reorganization of school districts — Transfer of territory by petition — Requirements — Rules — Costs
• Chapter 44.05 RCW Washington State Redistricting Act Laws of 2018, ch.113 & 104 Washington Voting Rights Act