The board authorizes the use of electronic signatures for documents, records, and contracts, except for when there is a specific statute, regulation, or policy that requires such documents be signed in nonelectronic form.

The District recognizes electronic signatures as legally binding and equivalent in force and effect as a traditional signature created when a person physically marks a document with the intent to sign the record.

An electronic signature platform, such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign (or other reputable platform) is authorized to affix electronic signatures to the following District records: identifying records, such as minutes of school board meetings, resolutions adopted by the Highline School Board, vouchers approved by the board, and any and all contracts and agreements to which the District is a party.

Electronic signatures cannot be applied by an employee using a different employee’s name, except authorized Superintendent designees.

If an electronic signature is used for interstate transactions or for documents required by the US Federal government, the electronic signature shall comply with the requirements of the Electronic Signatures in Global and Electronic Commerce Act.

The District shall maintain electronically signed records in a manner that is consistent with state law and the District’s document retention policies, and that allows the District to produce accurate and complete reproductions of the electronic records and signatures in their original form. Such retention includes a process whereby the District can verify the attribution of a signature to a specific individual, detect changes or errors in the information contained in the record that was submitted electronically, and protect and prevent against manipulation or misuse.

Legal Reference:
Electronic Signatures and Records - RCW 1.80.060

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: November 2020