Bates Technical College, District 28, is established in Title 28B RCW as a public institution of higher education. The college is governed by a five-member board of trustees, appointed by the governor. The board employs a president, who acts as the chief executive officer of the college. The president establishes the structure of the administration.

The board of trustees shall hold regular meetings in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 42.30 RCW, and other applicable law. These meetings will be scheduled throughout the year (except August) on the third Monday of a scheduled month. If needed, meetings will begin with a study session at 2:00 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 3:00 p.m. Special meetings, as may be requested by the chair of the board or by a majority of the members of the board, shall be announced in accordance with applicable open public meetings requirements.

All regular and special meetings of the board of trustees shall be held at one of the Bates Technical College campuses, as designated by the board, unless scheduled elsewhere and so noted in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act. Notices of the time and place of all regular and special meetings shall be governed by the requirements of chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act. Board meetings are open to the general public, except for lawful executive sessions.

No official business may be conducted by the board of trustees except during a regular or special meeting.