AWSP
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Advocacy & Legislation

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.

2025 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.

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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

Get Involved


Legislative News

AWSP Advocates for Core Funding in Education

Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
Jul 19, 2024

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We are committed to supporting the professional growth and success of school leaders throughout our state. Today, we want to highlight an important initiative by our partners at the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) that addresses critical issues in education funding.

The Importance of Core Funding for Schools

As educators, we know that reliable, sufficient funding is critical for a thriving educational environment. Adequate core funding ensures schools can maintain essential programs, support student learning, and provide the necessary resources for both teachers and students to succeed.

WASA recently released a press release emphasizing the need for enhanced core funding for our schools. They outline the significant challenges schools face due to funding shortfalls and advocate for a sustainable funding model that meets the diverse needs of all students.

Key Highlights from the WASA Press Release

  • Funding Inequities: Current funding mechanisms often leave schools in lower-income areas at a disadvantage. WASA is calling for changes that ensure equitable distribution of resources across all districts.

  • Student-Centered Focus: Emphasizing the importance of putting student needs at the forefront, WASA argues for funding that supports holistic educational experiences, including mental health services and extracurricular activities.

  • Sustainable Solutions: WASA is pushing for long-term solutions that provide stability and predictability in school funding, allowing districts to plan effectively for the future.

Learn More

We encourage all our members to stay informed about these issues. Read the full press release and learn more about WASA's advocacy efforts,

Together, we can work towards a more equitable and effective education system that serves the needs of every student in Washington state.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on the importance of core funding. Follow us on social media and use the hashtag #FundOurSchools to contribute to the discussion.

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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.

Email 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.

AWSP-WSPLEA supports AWSP’s governmental relations efforts at both the state and national levels. It also raises and spends money to support candidates and issues that are important to the principalship and to K–12 education. Make a difference — join the PAC today!

Join Now

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.

2025 Legislative Priorities