Lakeside High School Principal Dr. Brent Osborn is the 2026 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year

“When I arrived at Lakeside, only pockets of inclusive instruction existed. Today, we are one of the state’s exemplar sites for Inclusionary Practices, a living demonstration site that other districts visit to learn what ‘all means all’ looks like in action,” says Osborn.

Lakeside High School now stands as a model for inclusion and inclusive practices. The school has played a leading role in launching Unified Sports programs that unite students with and without disabilities, building a culture of empathy, respect, and understanding. As the first small school in Eastern Washington to field Unified teams, Lakeside now proudly hosts a Unified Bowling tournament for small schools across the region.

Expanded access to dual credit programs at Lakeside High has reduced financial and geographic barriers for many families while increasing college readiness. Students from all backgrounds and communities can earn college credit thanks to the prioritization of these programs. By helping students understand their postsecondary options, Lakeside High School staff see students no longer choosing courses based on familiarity or ease, but based on where they see themselves in the future. 

Staff at Lakeside High are encouraged to take risks, try new strategies, and push boundaries to support student success. They do all this while keeping trust from students and families at the forefront. All IEP meetings begin with the learner’s strengths and aspirations. The counseling team and front office staff know students’ strengths and stories deeply, and recognize when to step in with care and compassion. And student voice is paramount, with ASB officers engaging weekly with administration.

“In short, Dr. Osborn doesn't just lead a school, he transforms student lives through intentional, compassionate, and equity-focused leadership,” writes Troy Hughes, Osborn’s former assistant principal at Lakeside and the current principal at nearby Mead High School.

Osborn’s passion for education doesn’t stop at the doors of his school; he also leads at the state level, championing public education and principal support in Olympia. As a trusted voice in educational policy, he represents not only the Nine Mile Falls School District but also students and school leaders throughout Washington. His commitment to legislative advocacy helps ensure that rural communities have a seat at the table in statewide education decisions. In his role as the AWSP President for the 2022-23 school year, he advocated on behalf of Washington state principals across the state, region, and country.

Osborn says the true core of his school’s success lies in its people. “What we’ve accomplished here is not about the work of one individual, and certainly not just the principal. It is the result of collective dedication, trust, and belief in students. I’ve had the incredible privilege to hire and work alongside what I genuinely believe is the greatest team of educators ever assembled.”