The Board of Directors leads the district.

This group sets major policies, hires the superintendent, determines major goals for the district, and holds the superintendent and staff accountable for reaching those goals.

The Board consists of five members. Each Board position is elected by voters from the entire district. They serve a four-year term. That board member must live in the geographic district that is assigned their specific board seat.

Those director districts are established through the use of census data to determine an equitable distribution of Board positions among the population. This system ensures representation on the Board from all areas of the district. Each member is elected by all voters and is responsible for the entire district. Community members may contact any member on the Board.

Role of the Board

• Hire, supervise and evaluate the superintendent

• Set the vision, mission and strategic goals for the district

• Review, revise and adopt policies

• Establish and oversee the budget

• Serve as community representatives

• Monitor the district’s progress towards its goals

• What to be a school board member?

1. For information on how to file, check the Washington Secretary of State’s website. 

2. Find out which positions are up for election and verify that you are eligible to run for office. You must be a registered voter and live within your school district boundaries. Some school director positions require that you live within a certain director area, so check to be sure you’re qualified. Your local county elections department or school district office can help verify that you are eligible.

3. File during filing week in May. Candidates may file for an office online or in person at the local elections office.

4. Be aware of state requirements for all candidates and elected officials to file a financial disclosure statement and report all campaign finances to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). Annual filing is required if elected. More information can be found at: pdc.wa.gov/learn.

Want to learn more about becoming a School Board Member? Here are some helpful resources:

• WSSDA - Serving on Your Local School Board

• Skagit County Elections

• Scheduled Races in Skagit County (2023)

• Board Procedure 1620P: Superintendent-Board Responsibilities

For more information, please email B-ESD at questions@be.wednet.edu or contact the Skagit County Elections office.

Election Supervisor: Gabrielle Clay
Office Hours: 8:30 to 4:30
P.O. Box 1306
700 S. Second Street, Room 201
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-1702