November 2023 School Board Election

This November, Director Districts 1, 3, and 5 will be up for election.  School Board directors are elected to four-year terms by Issaquah School District voters.

Specific responsibilities of board members include, but are not limited to: monitoring superintendent performance, setting district policy, adopting an annual operating budget, placing levies and bonds before voters, and ratifying contracts negotiated with the local bargaining unit.

Individuals who wish to run for one of the three seats up for election must file with King County Elections.

The key filing dates and deadlines for 2023 are:

• In person: (contact King County Elections Office for appointment) May 15, 8:30 a.m. - May 19, 4:30 p.m.
• Online: May 15, 9:00 a.m. - May 19, 4:00 p.m.
• More details, including filing fees and instructions for the November 2023 election are available on the King County Department of Elections Website.  This website also includes Information about King County Candidate Workshops (separate from the ISD School Board Candidate Workshop, see sidebar).

To run, an individual must:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a registered voter in Washington State.
• Reside within the boundaries of the representative District that they are running to represent.

Prospective candidates must call Diane Ghanbari at 425-837-7002 and make an appointment to verify residency in person at the District Office at 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah.

Prospective candidates may use this King County online Director District map to initially determine whether they live in Director District 1, 3, and 5. Candidates must confirm residency with Diane Ghanbari in Director Districts 1, 3, and 5 as noted above.

Serving on the School Board

The local school board is a uniquely American institution that has made public schools flexible and responsive to the needs of local communities. The school board represents a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education. Members focus on:

• Establishing school district goals;
• Providing for program development activities;
• Overseeing the financial affairs of the district;
• Adopting operating policies;
• Assuring systematic review and evaluation of all phases of the school program; and
• Advocating on behalf of students and schools.

Board Terms and Time Commitments

School board members are elected to four-year terms.

School Board meetings will typically be held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Work study sessions are typically held prior to regular board meetings starting at 5:00 p.m.

The duties of a School Board member involve preparation, participation, and attendance at meetings and other functions, such as community meetings and graduation exercises. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a member of the current Board of Directors to ask what the experience is like and what is involved.

For more information on school boards, visit the Washington State School Directors' Association website.

Related Information

• ISD School Board Handbook 2023
• National School Boards Association website
• About the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA)
• WSSDA: "Serving on Your Local School Board"
• WSSDA Handbook "Serving on Your Local School Board: A Foundation for Success"
• WSSDA: For New School Directors
• WSSDA Onboard