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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 the FAQs comes from the bill reports for each bill, as well as the bills' prime sponsors ( Rep. Monica Stonier (D–Vancouver) for HB 1296 and Sen. Claire Wilson (D–Federal Way) for SB 5181).

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 with escalating conflicts, principals and administrators have the legal backing to enforce rules and remove individuals who refuse to comply. Understanding these laws not only empowers school leaders but also helps the community recognize the importance of respecting their role in keeping events safe.

As week nine of the legislative session wraps up, 51¸£ÀûÉç continues to advocate for public education at both the state and federal levels. This week, a team of Washington principals joined over 400 school leaders in Washington, D.C., for the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, addressing critical issues like school funding, educator recruitment, and student mental health. Meanwhile, in Olympia, legislators faced key deadlines as bills moved forward—get the latest updates on policy decisions, budget discussions, and ways you can take action to support K-12 education.

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.

Since covering pension/retirement/health insurance issues on behalf of WASA and 51¸£ÀûÉç, there are a few important points we have learned. This is just a brief summary of selected retirement related topics. One needs to check with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) for definitive answers to questions about their own situation. Policies change so this document is just a broad overview highlighting some issues.  The importance of advance planning cannot be overstated. These are not issues to put off until the last months of either one’s impending retirement or approaching Medicare eligible age. Start by requesting an official benefit estimate from DRS 3-12 months prior to your retirement date.