51¸£ÀûÉç

Spring is a season of change in schools and in Olympia, with students, staff, and legislation all in transition. As we wait for final decisions on the state budget and key bills, leaders are also looking ahead to the 2026 session with curiosity and hope—especially around AI and student-centered reforms. While funding gaps remain a concern, especially in special education and MSOC, there's momentum building for long-term improvements.

OLYMPIA –– Every year, the 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President selects someone to receive the 51¸£ÀûÉç President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (51¸£ÀûÉç’s mission). Woody Howard, the 2024-25 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President and principal at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Vancouver Public Schools, selected Erin Lucich this year. Erin is the Director of School Improvement and Educational Leadership in ESD 112.

The science of reading is a large body of research consisting of multidisciplinary studies from the fields of education, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. This body of research explains exactly how the human brain learns to read and explains the best practices for quality reading instruction in the classroom. Join Lexia on June 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for an exclusive event focused on the science of reading

You’d think that school administrators would be quite healthy. You walk countless steps in hallways, classrooms, and common areas throughout the day and often into the evening. You’re surrounded by curriculum that touts self-discipline. You observe teaching practices that help make tasks manageable. You understand how important movement is for our bodies and brains. Despite having tools and information for being healthy, many of us fall short of our ideal health markers, such as low cholesterol, ideal blood pressure and resting heart rate, ideal nutrition, and consistent movement.

OLYMPIA –– Raenette ("Rae") Sasaki Wood is the fourth winner of 51¸£ÀûÉç's Annalee Braley Membership Award. Her devotion to mentoring fellow leaders, supporting Leaders of Color, and advocating for the needs of principals and assistant principals demonstrates why she so perfectly honors and carries forward Annalee’s legacy.