AWSP Blog

Inspired by Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” this update highlights key education bills, funding priorities, and ways you can engage in shaping the future of education.. Principals are making their voices heard, and you can too—join us for Day on the Hill on February 10th to advocate for our schools and students.

Since covering pension/retirement/health insurance issues on behalf of WASA and AWSP, there are a few important points we have learned. This is just a brief summary of selected retirement related topics. One needs to check with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) for definitive answers to questions about their own situation. Policies change so this document is just a broad overview highlighting some issues.  The importance of advance planning cannot be overstated. These are not issues to put off until the last months of either one’s impending retirement or approaching Medicare eligible age. Start by requesting an official benefit estimate from DRS 3-12 months prior to your retirement date.

This is a courtesy announcement from the OSPI Professional Certification Department to inform educators that a change has been adopted by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) that affects how educators need to apply to renew their certificates.

This week’s legislative update honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s reminder that meaningful change requires persistence and advocacy. Key highlights include debates on K-12 funding, student mental health, and financial literacy, alongside a focus on the "Big 3" funding issues of special education, MSOC, and transportation. Principals are making their voices heard, and you can too—join us for Day on the Hill on February 10th to advocate for our schools and students.

The 2025 Legislative Session kicked off with familiar sights and surprises, from freshman legislators being sworn in to Governor Ferguson’s inaugural address, which featured unexpected bipartisan themes. His focus on fiscal responsibility, limiting emergency powers, and avoiding unsustainable spending has stirred optimism on the right and skepticism on the left, setting the stage for potential conflict with the progressive majority. With big policy debates ahead, this session promises twists and turns, and we’ll be here to analyze the developments as they unfold.