ELLA works to ensure that school districts are governed equitably and accountably. We advocate for school boards that reflect the demographics of the students they serve, educate students and families about their rights within the public education system, and advance district policies, practices, and curriculum that promote equity, student safety, inclusion, and meaningful family engagement.
Our work focuses on improving the systems that shape educational outcomes, from how school board members are elected to how districts develop policy, allocate resources, engage families, and create safe learning environments for every student.
For many years, the Sunnyside School District elected its school board through an at-large election system. Although the district serves a majority-Latine student population, that electoral structure limited the ability of Latine voters to elect candidates of their choice and resulted in a governing board that did not reflect the community it represented.
ELLA partnered with the ACLU of Washington and Amend Law to challenge that system under the Washington Voting Rights Act. In 2024, we served formal notice to the district demonstrating that the at-large election system unlawfully diluted Latino voting strength and denied voters an equal opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.
The district agreed to settle the matter without litigation.
The settlement established a new district-based election system, adopted representative trustee district boundaries, and required elections for all five school board seats in 2025.
The results fundamentally changed the composition of the Board of Directors. Three Latine candidates were elected, creating a board that more accurately reflects the district's student population and the community it serves.
ELLA's work does not stop after an election, and it doesn’t stop in Sunnyside.
We advocate for school district policies that improve student safety, strengthen inclusive learning environments, increase meaningful parent engagement in district decision-making, and ensure that district resources and programs are distributed equitably across schools and student populations.
We also educate students, parents, and community members about their rights, school district governance, public meeting participation, and the policy-making process so families can effectively engage with their local school boards.
Education justice requires more than equitable representation. It requires transparent governance, accountable leadership, culturally-competent evidence-based policies, and sustained investment in the students and families public schools are meant to serve.
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