A Matter of Principals

Episode 43: Legislative Update for February 28, 2025: Budget Challenges, Key Bills, OSPI Disclipline Rules Updates, and a Call for Action for Simple Majority for Bonds

Roz's update dives into this past week in the Legislature, including budget challenges, key education bills on the move (or getting cut), and what’s next as lawmakers shift focus to floor votes. Plus, we’ll cover OSPI’s discipline rule changes and an urgent call to action for simple majority bonds.

Episode 42: AWSP TV: 2025 Session Preview with Sen. Wellman

Join Roz Thompson, AWSP's Director of Government Relations, in an engaging conversation with Senator Lisa Wellman, Chair of the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. In this episode, they discuss essential topics for the upcoming legislative session, including funding for basic education, special education, transportation, mental health support, and operations costs. Senator Wellman also shares insights on potential new legislation and her commitment to addressing family crises and school support systems. Stay informed about the latest in education policies and how they impact principals and assistant principals across the state. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:48 Senator Wellman's Legislative Insights 02:05 Special Education and Transportation Funding 03:30 Operational Costs and MSOC 04:58 Student Initiatives and EpiPen Legislation 07:41 Parents Bill of Rights and LGBTQ+ Support 09:18 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Student Safety 10:55 Support for Principals and School Leadership 15:36 Concluding Remarks and Appreciation Special Guest: Sen. Lisa Wellman.

Episode 41: The 2023 Principal Bills: Why These Bills and Why Now?

For 51 years, AWSP has supported principals and assistant principals (the individuals) and the principalship (the profession) in the education of each and every student. We exist to support principals as a means to the same goal we all have in K-12 education: for all of our students to have hope. Today, we find ourselves in one of the most challenging spots in the history of our association, specifically regarding the two “principal bills", Senate Bills 5085 and 5175. It seems like the winds are shifting on these bills by the hour, but there’s been one constant: we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Many of our principals and assistant principals across the state want us to keep pushing for 5085 to pass in its original form. On the other hand, we have some districts, superintendents, partners, and school boards in opposition and with varying levels of frustration. AWSP is one of the strongest principals’ associations in the country, and our strong partnership and relationships with our districts is the driving force behind that. We know that nothing happens in a school without trust and relationships, so we’ve engaged with our partners on a path forward. {If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together} I want to be clear. Our state has phenomenal superintendents and districts who are exemplary in their support of their principals, from strong relationships and partnerships, robust contracts, clear and defined due process protocols, and provide as much support as possible coupled with reasonable expectations. And over the last few years, we’ve heard more and more appreciation, compassion, and support for our principals and assistant principals. We’re not the only voice in the room saying we need to do more to support our principals, but we don’t need the educational equivalent of thoughts and prayers; we need policies and change. We have many options for how to move forward, but doing nothing is not one of them. Let’s talk briefly about why I’m sitting here talking to this camera, and you’re wherever you are, watching or listening to me.

The "Principal Bills" and the 2023 Session

Executive Director Dr. Scott Seaman sits down with Roz Thompson, our Governmental Relations and Advocacy Director, to talk about our advocacy this session, specifically around SB 5085 and SB 5175. Learn more about the intent and ideas behind these bills.

Episode 39: Marc Yonts: Thoughts on Leadership and Supporting a Leader in Your Life

Welcome to another episode of A Matter of Principals. In this episode, Associate Director Kamrica Ary-Turner asks Walla Walla teacher and former head football coach Marc Yonts his advice on leadership and what family members can do to support the school leader in their life. If the last name is familiar, it's because Marc is married to Associate Director Gina Yonts. Listen in to hear Marc's wisdom and advice for leadership and supporting a school leader.