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Dr. Brent Osborn, principal at Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls School District, is our 2026 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year. Osborn’s focus on strong systems and his belief in his students and staff drive powerful change in his rural school community. At a time when principal turnover is a concern for long-term student and staff wellbeing, Osborn’s 14 years (and counting!) at Lakeside High School shows the impact of consistent, meaningful years in the same building.

Kim Doughty, principal at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School in the Tumwater School District, has been named the 2026 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year. At the heart of Doughty’s leadership is a simple yet powerful belief: every student, staff member, and family deserves to feel seen, known, and valued. Under her guidance, Peter G. Schmidt Elementary has become a place of hope and high expectations for all learners.

The Association of Washington School Principals is proud to announce that Principal Chelsea Gallagher has been awarded the prestigious Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year title for 2025. Gallagher’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving school environment, making Mt. Spokane a beacon of excellence for students, staff, and the community.

Cathi Davis, the founding principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School, has been awarded the prestigious Principal of the Year award by the Association of Washington School Principals (51¸£ÀûÉç), recognizing her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusion, and profound impact on students, staff, and families.

Shannon Leatherwood, principal at Spanaway Middle School in the Bethel School District, was named this year’s Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year. Leatherwood will also be recognized at the national level by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). She will compete with winners from other states for the NASSP National Principal of the Year award.