Legal Status

The board of directors of the Yelm 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 Yelm Community Schools, District No. 002, Thurston 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 providing each child with the necessary skills and attitudes, commensurate with their ability, to become effective citizens, 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 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 qualified. 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        Directors – Terms – Numbers
RCW 28A.343.320        Directors – Declaration 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

ADOPTED: 08/26/99
REVISED: 04/27/00; 06/22/00; 10/27/05; 03/28/13