This week, legislative discussions focused on the Parents’ Bill of Rights, with new bills (HB 1296/SB 5181) introduced to clarify existing language. The Seattle Times featured AWSP’s stance on amendments related to parent notifications in school-related crimes. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee heard bills on free school meals (HB 1404) and increased MSOC funding (HB 1338). With the February 21 policy bill deadline approaching, committees are working quickly to advance key legislation.

With nearly 2,000 bills introduced, the legislative process is moving quickly as key bills head to fiscal committees ahead of the February 21 policy cutoff. Governor Ferguson’s 6% agency budget cuts are adding pressure, with high-stakes decisions expected next week. Meanwhile, political tensions are rising between the House and the Governor’s office, signaling potential conflicts ahead. As budget negotiations heat up, expect more drama in the coming weeks. 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.

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

Every February, Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and education, ensuring that the stories of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers are recognized and honored.

This week’s legislative focus included school safety, financial literacy, special education funding, and student rights. Bills on adding nurses to the BEST program, restricting flavored tobacco, and revising graduation requirements were discussed. With the February 21 deadline approaching, staying engaged is key. Read on for details and upcoming hearings.

This week at the Capitol, budget concerns took center stage as legislators scrambled to introduce bills ahead of the February 21 policy committee cutoff. A series of fast-moving budget bills aim to transfer $2 billion from reserve funds to help offset the state’s growing $10-14 billion deficit. With fiscal constraints tightening, most bills requiring new funding face an uphill battle. Meanwhile, major caucus-priority bills—covering rent control, parental rights, environmental crimes, and police accountability—are gaining traction. As budget realities set in, whispers of a special session are already circulating.

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.

As we step into February, we’re excited to kick off Member Engagement Month—a dedicated time to connect, elevate your voices, and explore new opportunities to shape the future of school leadership across Washington. This month-long campaign is all about strengthening our AWSP community and ensuring that every principal and assistant principal has the resources, support, and platform to make a lasting impact.

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is looking forward to hosting a series of listening sessions February-March 2025 to hear from P-12 educators. These virtual Zoom sessions will delve into four topic areas that new educators need to be prepared for in their educator preparation programs (EPPs), so they are ready for the P-12 school environment.

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.

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.

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is pleased to announce that high school students Ms. Ashlye Ruth Triebs and Ms. Ellie Xue will join Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell in representing Washington during the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 1 - 8, 2025. Ashlye Triebs of Vancouver and Ellie Xue of Bellevue were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation that will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and other officials throughout the week. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

According to Dr. Tina Boogren, a Solution Tree’s research expert, educators are now entering the season of “Finding Balance” – a time to focus on recalibration and renewal over the next 9–10 weeks. With this in mind, this quarter’s “School Celebration Newsletter” is packed with simple, actionable ideas to celebrate your staff while also prioritizing your wellness during this pivotal season. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for sustaining the incredible work you do.

The 2025 legislative session kicks off on Monday, January 13th and along with a new year, as usual, comes lots of changes. 2025 will be a long, 105-day session where over 2,000 bills will be introduced, and where the biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets will be adopted by the Legislature and signed by Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson. The session is expected to end by the end of April.

In the 22-23 school year, my Building Leadership Team decided cell phones were limiting students’ ability to access their education to the degree that we needed a schoolwide intervention. By June of 2023, a survey to all certificated teachers showed that 98% of staff wanted a more stringent cell phone policy and that 88% of teachers were willing to support a common cell phone management strategy. In the 23-24 school year, we were poised to start our first year of being a phone-free school. Read more to learm about Interlake's road to being cell-phone free.