AWSP provides a strong and respected voice on state and nationwide issues affecting K–12 schools and principals.
We vigilantly monitor and research trends impacting our members’ profession, reputation, and practice. We value our members who travel to Olympia and Washington, D.C. to provide the principal’s perspective.
We offer several ways to help you keep pace with the legislative arena, including Legislative Update (our a weekly e-newsletter during session), how to find your state legislator, how to track the status of bills and find out how your lawmaker voted, and practical tips for talking with legislators.
We focus our governmental relations efforts and legislative platform through a statewide, grassroots Legislation Committee. This collaboration identifies and prioritizes issues critical to our members, so we can work smarter on your behalf in Olympia and around the state.
Every voice matters, and it’s important for all of us to stay informed and connected.
Connecting with our legislators at both the local and national level is critical to ensure our legislators recognize the importance of supporting educators in their efforts to keep students safe and reach every student in their classrooms and buildings.
– Erika Burden, 2020 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year
2026 Legislative Platform
“It is difficult to envision a higher return on investment in K-12 education than the cultivation of high-quality school leadership.” ~ Wallace Foundation, 2021
The 2025 AWSP Legislative Platform focuses on leadership development, fully funding basic education, and increasing student support to ensure all students succeed, with priorities for principals and school staff.
Get Involved
Advocacy Advisory Council
The Advocacy Advisory Council serves as both liaison and resource to the AWSP Board on legislative matters. Members communicate with principals and assistant principals around the state on issues of concern, monitor legislative action, and assist with testimony as appropriate. Advisory Council members also identify and prioritize the association’s yearly Legislative Platform(PDF) for approval by the AWSP Board.
Advocacy & Action Center
Our Advocacy & Action Center provides all the updates, tracking, resources, and action plans you need to stay informed and make your voice heard. Use it to stay informed and take action on the issues you care about. Legislators need to hear from you. Not sure where to begin? Already got a meeting scheduled? Our tip sheet will show you some of the best ways to communicate with lawmakers and their staffs.
Principal for a Day
The Principal for a Day program pairs a legislator with a principal in their district. The goal is for the legislator to shadow a principal for a full day so they can understand the challenges of being an instructional leader while managing and supporting students, staff, and community when the inevitable disruptions, chaos, or events happen. Interested in hosting a legislator?
Principal Partners
The Principal Partners Program pairs a legislator with a principal in their district for that principal or AP to be the legislator’s “go-to” resource when they need to know what’s actually happening inside schools and classrooms. Your voice is powerful. Make sure your elected officials know what’s happening, whether that’s the good, the bad, and the ugly, in their district. Email Roz to learn more or get paired up.
Legislative Update E-Newsletter
Want updates on what’s going on? Trying to understand the process and learn how to make an impact? Follow us on social media, check out our blog or this page for the latest legislative news page, and read our Legislative Update email newsletter every Friday during session.
Questions? Reach out to Roz.
Join Our PAC
School leaders in Washington state can take an active role in the political process by joining AWSP’s political action committee or PAC, the Washington School Principals Legislative Effectiveness Association.
The PAC supports AWSP’s advocacy at the state and national levels. It raises and spends money to support candidates and issues important to the principalship and K–12 education. Make a difference — join the PAC today!
Advocacy Blog Posts
Legislative Update for Jan. 23, 2026
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy
“That’s what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and...
Washington Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy, Awards & Recognition, News & Announcements
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is pleased to announce that high school students...
Legislative Update for Jan. 16, 2026
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy
“Stories constitute the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal.” – Dr. Howard Gardner...
Legislative Update for Jan. 9, 2026
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy
“Storytelling is the oldest form of education.” – Terry Tempest Williams The 2026 Legislative Session...
Rep. Steve Bergquist Wins AWSP’s 2025 Torch of Leadership Award
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy, Awards & Recognition
Each year, AWSP’s Advocacy Advisory Council has the opportunity to select a state-level public servant...
64th Anniversary of the United States Senate Youth Program: Apply by Sept. 26
Advocacy, Legislation, & Policy
The 64th anniversary of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) will take place in...
School Funding Coalition
The School Funding Coalition represents the voices of nearly 8,000 school district leaders from our state’s 295 school districts. We bring a front-line understanding of school district financing and the education funding issues the Legislature continues to grapple with—especially as state budget decisions are contemplated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition includes AEA, AESD, AWSP, WASA, WASBO, WSPA, and WSSDA. We believe that each and every student needs stable support, safety, access to learning, and well-equipped staff. Learn more in our Immediate Student Needs document below.
