Legal Status
The board of directors of the Highline School District is the corporate entity established by the state of Washington to plan and direct all aspects of the district's operations to the end that students shall have ample opportunity to achieve their individual and collective learning needs.

The policies of the board define the organization of the board and the manner of conducting its 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 Highline School District No. 401, 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 preparing students for college, career, and citizenship, the board shall 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 and 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 shall consist of five members, elected by ballot by the registered voters of the district. Except as otherwise provided by law, board members shall hold office for terms of four years and until re-election or their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of board members shall be staggered as provided by law.

Newly-elected directors shall 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 shall take and subscribe to an oath of office.

Cross References:
Oath of office - Policy 1111

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

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: March 1983
Revised by the Board: 8.03, 9.08, 06.13
Classification: Priority