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Building Neurodivergent-Affirming Schools: For Students, Staff, and the Whole Community
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.
Learn MoreApril Holidays & Recognition
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.
Learn MoreLakeside High School Recognizes Outstanding Student Leaders
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.
Learn MoreLegislative Update for 3.28.25
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…
Learn MoreRetirement & Health Benefits – March 28, 2025
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…
Learn MoreWashington State Names 2025 Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year
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.
Learn MoreLegislative Update for 3.21.25
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…
Learn MoreRetirement & Health Benefits – March 21, 2025
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…
Learn MoreUnderstanding the Parents’ Bill of Rights: Clarification on HB 1296 and SB 5181
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…
Learn MoreRespect the Game, Respect the Rules: The Legal Authority of School Administrators at Athletic Events
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…
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