Join us for the AWSP Spring Forum on May 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 P.M., where you'll connect with fellow school leaders and dive into breakout sessions designed to uplift, inform, and energize your leadership practice.

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.

At AWSP, we’re always looking for new, fun, and meaningful ways to explore the world of artificial intelligence—and share those discoveries with you!

As the session moves toward Sine Die, now is the time for both houses to coordinate and negotiate their differing budgets and bills that have made it past both houses. Note, both House and Senate budgets will be released 3/24 so the status of much of what is covered below may be clarified by inclusion or exclusion within any budget.

Since 2017, with the help of a grant from the King County Academy of Family Physicians, they have reached nearly 10,000 students in grades 9-12 at more than two dozen Washington State high schools. The presentation has been vetted by Lisa Love, Director of Health Curricula for Seattle Public Schools. The Superintendents of the Tacoma and Edmonds school districts recommend it to their health instructors and it has been enthusiastically received by students, teachers, and administrators. Administrators and teachers at Edmonds are working to make education on firearm injury prevention a standard part of the health curriculum.

The goal for safe communities, and protecting our loved ones, is common ground, a goal around which all of us can rally. It is a goal and worry that can keep us up at night. The violence that can harm our community members is tragic to experience and unpleasant to think about. Understanding and implementing solutions to that violence is also upsetting -- but necessary.

Ever feel like your day as a principal is a whirlwind of interruptions, meetings, and endless emails? You’re not alone. Dr. Nick Davies, our 2024 Washington State Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, offers a straightforward strategy to help school leaders take control of their schedules and align their time with their school’s priorities.

On May 15, schools across the state are invited to participate in Water Safety Day — a special event dedicated to helping K-5 students learn life-saving water safety knowledge. The event includes a free, standards-based, 30-minute lesson plan complete with student engagement activities

Assistant principals are student-centered beacons of hope in our school system. APs are unencumbered by specific certification requirements and truly serve as one of the greatest multi-tools in our schools. They can do anything and are often the ones leading systems changes like MTSS, PBIS, attendance initiatives, and community engagement. That flexibility of talent, skill, passion for kids, and scope of responsibilities is what makes our APs have the greatest impact on numbers; in this case, the numbers of students who have a trusted adult and are seen, heard, and valued in school.

As the legislative session nears its end, retirement-related bills remain in flux. Key issues include the use of the LEOFF 1 surplus, cost-of-living adjustments for PERS/TRS Plan 1 members, and potential short- and long-term impacts of various pension reform bills. Several bills affecting public employees’ benefits and post-retirement employment rules are still active. Final outcomes hinge on budget negotiations and floor actions in the closing days of the session.

A single outdoor learning trip to the Mount Rainier Institute transformed not only Kyrsten Bowden’s confidence and independence as a student with a rare mobility disorder, but also her peers’ understanding of inclusion. Supported by thoughtful planning, adaptive tools, and visible representation, Kyrsten pushed past her limits and redefined what’s possible in outdoor education. This experience shows the profound impact of centering equity and access, proving that every student belongs in nature.

Do you know a school leader who goes above and beyond every day to ensure strong schools, strong students, and a culture of hope? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve! The nomination window for AWSP’s 2026 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year is officially OPEN.

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.

Recognizing special days and awareness months is an opportunity to build community, highlight values, and celebrate the individuals and events that shape our school environments. These observances support a culture of belonging, appreciation, and learning. By honoring diverse contributions and causes, schools model empathy, curiosity, and respect—qualities that help shape students into thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Encouraging student leadership helps build confidence, responsibility, and a positive school culture. Back in February during AWSP's Member Engagement Month, we invited our members to recognize and celebrate the young leaders in their schools with our You're an Outstanding Leader certificate.

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!