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.

The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) proudly announces the 2025 Washington State Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year award recipients. These outstanding school leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, equity, and community engagement. Their visionary leadership has transformed their schools into inclusive, high-achieving environments where students and staff thrive.

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.

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.

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).

Washington state law provides clear expectations for behavior at school-sponsored events and grants school officials the authority to maintain safety and order. Laws surrounding disorderly conduct and failure to comply with school administrator directives exist to ensure that events remain enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s addressing a disruptive spectator, managing an unruly crowd, or dealing with escalating conflicts, principals and administrators have the legal backing to enforce rules and remove individuals who refuse to comply. Understanding these laws not only empowers school leaders but also helps the community recognize the importance of respecting their role in keeping events safe.

As week nine of the legislative session wraps up, AWSP continues to advocate for public education at both the state and federal levels. This week, a team of Washington principals joined over 400 school leaders in Washington, D.C., for the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, addressing critical issues like school funding, educator recruitment, and student mental health. Meanwhile, in Olympia, legislators faced key deadlines as bills moved forward—get the latest updates on policy decisions, budget discussions, and ways you can take action to support K-12 education.

The Association of Washington School Principals is proud to announce that Principal Chelsea Gallagher has been awarded the prestigious Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year title for 2025. Gallagher’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving school environment, making Mt. Spokane a beacon of excellence for students, staff, and the community.

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.

Juanita High School’s Terry Jess has been named the Washington State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication to equity, and transformative impact on the school community.

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the impact of female educators who transformed schools and expanded opportunities for students in Washington state. These trailblazing women served as principals, administrators, and advocates, shaping policies and breaking barriers in education.

We’ve hit the halfway mark of the legislative session, with key education bills moving and budget discussions heating up. Special education funding, MSOC allocations, and school discipline policies remain in focus as lawmakers debate priorities. Meanwhile, AWSP members are heading to Washington, DC, to advocate for K-12 funding and policy changes at the national level. Stay informed and take action to support critical education issues.

Floor debates intensified this week, with tensions flaring over controversial bills. Behind closed doors, last-minute negotiations continue as lawmakers push toward the next deadline. Next week’s budget drafts and revenue forecast will shape key funding decisions amid fiscal uncertainty. Watch live or stay tuned for updates.

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.

Cascade Elementary’s Dr. James West has been recognized as the Washington State 2025 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, an honor that reflects his exceptional leadership, commitment to student success, and dedication to fostering a positive school culture.

Cathi Davis, the founding principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School, has been awarded the prestigious Principal of the Year award by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), recognizing her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusion, and profound impact on students, staff, and families.

Here is a list of February recognitions and holidays, along with suggestions on how to observe and celebrate them within your school community.

Many proposals, including HB 1795 on restraint and isolation, are at risk due to funding concerns. Lawmakers face tough decisions following major budget cut proposals from Governor Ferguson and the House Democrats. Meanwhile, bills on special education, financial education, and student attendance are still in play. As floor action heats up before the next cutoff on March 12, now is the time to take action—advocate for a simple majority for bonds and submit feedback on OSPI’s proposed discipline rules.

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.

Did you know that TPEP funds—state-allocated dollars specifically set aside for professional development—must be used by the end of the year, or they go back to the state? If your district has unused TPEP funding, now is the perfect time to allocate it toward registration and travel for the annual Summer Conference.