Thurston County is divided into nine separate school districts, each governed by a five-member board. The board’s responsibilities include: budget, policy development, classroom instruction, planning and communications.

While the boards delegate authority for day-to-day functions to professional staff, they may never delegate ultimate responsibility.

Board members are elected in a non-partisan general election by voters within that school district. They receive no salary. A board may approve a per diem compensation for its members for attending board meetings.

Candidates must reside in the sub-district for which they are seeking office. All candidates are elected by the voters of the entire school district.

All voters in the County will vote for the position in the General Election.