1111 Oath of Office

Before entering upon the duties of office, every person elected, re-elected, a school director must take an oath or affirmation to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Washington, and to uphold the laws of the state of Washington. The director must also affirm that they will faithfully discharge the duties of the office to the best of their ability.

The oath or affirmation must be administered by an officer authorized to administer oaths under state law. School officials themselves are authorized to administer oaths or affirmations related to their respective offices, and they may do so without any charge or fee. The oath or affirmation may be administered in person or, when permitted by law, through remote means such as a virtual meeting or electronic appearance.

If the director has received a written appointment or commission, the oath or affirmation should be endorsed on that document and sworn to before an authorized officer. After the oath or affirmation has been properly administered, it must be filed with the county auditor of the county in which the school district is located. A copy of the oath should also be retained in the district’s administrative records for reference.

Directors elected at a regular election officially begin their term of office at the first regular or special meeting of the board of directors following certification of the election results. Appointed directors assume office immediately after taking and filing the oath or affirmation.

Legal Reference

RCW 28A.343.360 Oath of Office