The district is established under RCW 28B.50.040 to implement the educational purposes established by RCW 28B.50.020. The college district is operated under the supervision and control of a board of trustees. The board of trustees is made up of six members of whom five are appointed by the governor to a term of five years. The trustees exercise the powers and duties granted them under RCW 28B.50.140. The sixth trustee, also appointed by the governor, is a student who serves a one-year term.