Washington State School for the Blind

2214 E. 13th Street

Vancouver, WA 98661

360-696-6321

TTY 360-696-6321, ext. 171

www.wssb.wa.gov

admin@wssb.wa.gov

General Information

The purpose of the WSSB is to serve as a statewide demonstration and resource center and provide direct and indirect services to students both on campus and in the children’s local communities. Since 1886, the Washington State School for the Blind, established by Territorial and State Authority, has provided comprehensive educational programs for students whose vision loss required special education programs. The Washington State School for the Blind, under the direction of the Governor, is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (K-12) and is a residential school for blind and partially sighted students of school age who are residents of the state of Washington.

Mission: The mission of the Washington State School for the Blind is to provide specialized quality educational services to visually impaired and blind youth ages birth-21 within the state of Washington.

Vision: Independence for blind and visually impaired children.

Population: Approximately 1,230 students.

Form of Government

Appointed board of trustees

The superintendent works with the school’s Board of Trustees. This board is made up of nine trustees who each represent their U.S. Congressional District. In addition to the nine trustees there are five ex-officio trustees, representing: WSSB’s Parent Association, the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, Washington Council of the Blind, Teacher Association, and the Federation of State Employees. Trustees and ex-officio trustees are advisory to the superintendent and the school and meet four to six times per year. The Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public.

District 1

Edwin Snook (Kirkland)

Term expires: 7/1/2013

District 2

Chuck Nelson (Lynden)

Term expires: 7/1/2011

District 3

Steve Rainey (Vancouver)

Term expires: 7/1/2013

District 4

Jim Kemp (Cowiche)

Term expires: 7/1/2012

District 5

Lorna Walsh (Spokane)

Term expires: 7/2/2011

District 6

Sherry Perry (Port Ludlow)

Term expires: 7/1/2013

District 7

Annabelle Fitts (Seattle)

Term expires: 7/1/2011

District 8

Yang-Su Cho (Sammamish)

Term expires: 7/1/2013

District 9

Denise Colley (Lacey)

Term expires: 7/1/2014

Ex-Officio Members

Paul Baldwin, Teachers Association of WSSB (Appointed 2008)
Scott Hone, WA Federation of State Employees Local #1225 (Appointed 2008)
Michael Freeman, National Federation of the Blind of Washington (Appointed 1992)
Patty Stewart, parent representative (Appointed 2009)
Berl Colley, Washington Council of the Blind (Appointed 2005)

Staff

Dean O. Stenehjem, Ed.D., superintendent

Engagement Opportunities

Attend Board of Trustees meetings.
Many volunteer possibilities exist at the school.
WSSB Radio Station.
WSSB Vision Store.
WSSB Museum.
WSSB Instructional Resource Center.
Tutoring.
Reading.
The school is always looking for individuals who have a special talent, skill, hobby or idea they would like to share with our students.

Notes of Special Interest

Washington School for Defective Youth was established on February 3, 1886 in Vancouver, Clark County by Watson Squire, the 11th territorial governor.
85 teachers.