OTHELLO, WA – Othello School District is seeking to expand opportunities for residents to participate in their school board.  On the upcoming February 12th special election ballot, voters will find OSD’s Proposition No. 1, Dissolution and Reapportionment of Directors’ Districts.  If approved, the proposition will change (or “dissolve”) Othello’s school board from its current four “director districts” and one “at large” position, to three director districts and two at large positions. This process is referred to as “reapportionment.”

In Washington, school districts are allowed to choose the residence requirements for their board members.  Some districts choose to require all board members to live within certain areas, known as “director districts.”  Other school districts choose to allow their board members to live anywhere within the district, called “at large” positions.  By reapportioning the Othello School Board structure from one at large position to two at large positions, community members elected to these two positions may reside anywhere within the Othello School District boundaries.

“We are fortunate in Othello to have so many community members who are interested in the operation and efficacy of their school system,” says Othello Superintendent Dr. Chris Hurst.  “Our hope is to encourage more of these citizens to actively participate in their local school board by providing another at large position.”  

Prior to the February 12th election, community members are invited to attend and ask questions at the regular Othello school board meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, January 28 at 7:00 PM.  Many resources and information about school boards in Washington can be found on the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) website at www.wssda.org.  For more information on Othello’s reapportionment, contact the Superintendent's Office at 509.488.2659 ext. 1003.

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