Legislative Update

As we move into fall, we are closer to the important general election in November that will elect a new President and Governor and numerous new legislators and other statewide elected officials. Three initiatives are on the ballot as well. The makeup of legislative committees and leadership positions will change somewhat as a result of the elections, so significant change in Washington’s political landscape is coming.

Each year, AWSP’s Advocacy Advisory Council has the opportunity to select a state-level public servant who has demonstrated support of principals and the principalship in the education of all students. We’re thrilled to announce that our 2024 Torch of Leadership Award is presented to Representative Paul Harris (R-Vancouver), who currently serves on the Health Care & Wellness, Appropriations, Education, and Rules committees.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) just filed emergency rules clarifying and updating Chapter 392-400 WAC Student Discipline (see OSPI Rulemaking Activity website). OSPI plans to also conduct permanent rulemaking concerning Student Discipline. The emergency rules are effective immediately and the permanent rules are anticipated to be in effect by the 2025–26 school year. OSPI worked in collaboration with our team at AWSP, practicing principals, assistant principals, and teachers, as well as the Washington Association of School Administrators, the Washington Education Association, and the Washington State School Directors' Association to guide the updates and rule clarifications. These changes reflect important shifts in enhancing the learning environment through leadership and policy integration at the local level.

Session has concluded and the Governor has acted. Here is brief summary of pension, health care, and other legislation that will impact school districts, present staff, and future retirees. The work to implement the changes continues.

Last week, I had the honor of representing our state and AWSP members at the NAESP National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. While there, I was able to hear from both candidates running for NAESP Vice-President. Both candidates were able to answer the questions put before them, though Ann-Marie Gleason articulated her thoughts and personalized her stories. Whoever wins the election will be representing our voice through discussions with leaders and legislators across our states and in our country’s capital