AWSP Blog

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 budget developments remain uncertain as Governor Ferguson plans to veto the proposed wealth tax, leaving both House and Senate budgets short on expected revenue. Pressure is mounting to use the $3 billion LEOFF 1 surplus, with several competing bills proposing different strategies. Key retirement-related legislation continues to move, including bills that adjust pension rates, expand retiree work limits, and introduce new voluntary benefits. While many proposals offer short-term savings, most come with long-term costs. Meanwhile, budget negotiations and committee work continue behind the scenes.

As we head into Assistant Principal Week, we’re taking a moment to shine a spotlight on some of the most dynamic and dedicated leaders in our schools — our assistant principals. At AWSP, we recognize the essential role these leaders play not only in their buildings but across our state, especially through their service on our Grade-Level Leadership Committees (GLLCs).

AWSP is embarking on an awareness and action campaign to start identifying both short and long term solutions that will grow, support, and sustain our school leaders. Until we can change what we expect of our school leaders, we’d better figure out how to support and keep our current leaders while also attracting our future school leaders.

This April, let’s move beyond awareness and build truly inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming schools—for students, staff, and our entire communities. Learn how school leaders can foster belonging, design flexible systems, and lead learning that embraces every brain.