Policy 1000 - Legal Status and Operation
Legal Status
The board of directors of the Richland 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 the school district is Richland School District No. 400, Benton County, State of Washington. The district shall also be legally recognized as the Richland Public Schools. 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 state 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 counter auditor. Prior to beginning their term, directors will take and subscribe to an oath of office.
Legal References:
RCW 28A.150.230 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.320.040 Directors – Bylaws for board and school government
RCW 28A.343.300 Directors – Terms – Numbers
RCW 28A.343.320 Directors – Declarations of candidacy – Positions as separate offices
RCW 28A.343.330 Directors – Ballots – Form
RCW 28A.320.020 Liability for debts and judgments
RCW 28A.343.360 Directors – Oath of Office
RCW 29A.60.270 Local officers, beginning of terms – Organization of district boards of directors
RCW 29A.60.280 Local elected officials, commencement of term of office – Purpose
Adoption:
Adopted: March 24, 1987
Revised: November 5, 2005
Revised: July 8, 2025
(Formerly #1110 -- June 2025)