AWSP Blog

Spring is a season of change in schools and in Olympia, with students, staff, and legislation all in transition. As we wait for final decisions on the state budget and key bills, leaders are also looking ahead to the 2026 session with curiosity and hope—especially around AI and student-centered reforms. While funding gaps remain a concern, especially in special education and MSOC, there's momentum building for long-term improvements.

It’s been a major budget week in Olympia. Senate and House Democrats released competing 2025–27 operating budgets with significant differences in K–12 investments, particularly around special education, MSOC, and leadership development. AWSP supports the Senate's deeper investment in schools and continues to advocate for robust funding for our students, staff, and leaders. With April 2 approaching, now’s the time to speak up. Use our Action Center to contact your legislators!

It’s been a major budget week in Olympia. Senate and House Democrats released competing 2025–27 operating budgets with significant differences in K–12 investments, particularly around special education, MSOC, and leadership development. AWSP supports the Senate's deeper investment in schools and continues to advocate for robust funding for our students, staff, and leaders. With April 2 approaching, now’s the time to speak up. Use our Action Center to contact your legislators!

This week’s focus was on revenue and budget planning, with a new forecast projecting $844M less in state revenue over the next four years. Senate Democrats released a tax proposal aimed at the wealthy, while key education bills (SB 5192 & SB 5263) could bring $1B to K-12 schools. Meanwhile, national headlines emerged as Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

We've been hearing questions from principals and assistant principals across the state about the Parents' Bill of Rights and legislation around them (HB 1296 and SB 5181). To help inform our members and clear up confusion around the Bill of Rights and each of the bills, we have some information to share. The information for the FAQs comes from the bill reports for each bill, as well as the bills' prime sponsors ( Rep. Monica Stonier (D–Vancouver) for HB 1296 and Sen. Claire Wilson (D–Federal Way) for SB 5181).