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Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
Washington School Principals' Legislative Effectiveness Association (WSPLEA)
A Political Action Committee for Principals in Washington State

The influence of the principal is strong and respected by legislative leaders in Olympia and Washington, D.C. Although our PAC budget is small in comparison to other educational interest groups, our presence is substantial and, more importantly, influential.

Principals in our state can take an active role in the political process by joining AWSP's political action committee or "PAC". The AWSP-Washington School Principals Legislative Effectiveness Association (AWSP-WSPLEA) serves two critical functions for the Association. First, it supports AWSP's governmental relations efforts at both the state and national level. It also raises and spends money to support candidates and issues that are important to the principalship and K-12 education. 

What kind of support does PAC provide for principals?

• A strong and respected voice for our students and principals at the state and federal level 
• A positive working relationship with local, state and federal legislators
• Ongoing analysis and recommendations on budgets and proposed bills
• A weekly electronic newsletter summarizing happenings in Olympia during the legislative session
• A legislative summary of budgets and bills and their impact on students and principals
• Realistic stories and testimony for lawmakers from a network of practicing principals 
• An effective working relationship with OSPI, the Governor’s Office and other education-related organizations in representing principal leadership as a critical element towards the goal of student achievement

The AWSP-WSPLEA is overseen by an 13-member board of directors comprised of AWSP members from around the state. Each year, members of the AWSP-WSPLEA board meet to review and provide input towards the establishment of the AWSP legislative platform based on a set of core values and beliefs, including:

• A strong commitment to public education
• The importance of the principal as the building leader
• A continuation of education reform focused on student learning
• Adequate and stable funding to implement education goals

AWSP-WSPLEA's continuing legislative targets include:

• Support for principal leadership development
• Support for a stable and dedicated funding for public education
• Support for programs essential for student success in meeting academic standards as defined by our state’s learning goals and grade level expectations 
• An accountability system focused on diagnosing and improving the efforts of struggling schools and providing incentives for all to continuously improve student achievement
• Support for retirement legislation seeking improvements to Plans II and III
• Support for a simple majority vote for levies and bonds
• Support for comprehensive school safety planning and per-student fiscal support
• Support for legislation designed to reduce/eliminate the underfunding and inequities in the state funding formula for administrators
• Prevent passage of any legislation that is not appropriately funded

Recent legislative accomplishments as a result of lobbying by AWSP:

• Maintained funding for Levy Equalization
• Secured funding for continuing the Leadership Academy
• Secured funding for continuing the principal internship program
• Maintained funding for K-3 class size enhancements
• Maintained enhanced classified staffing ratio
• Maintained All-Day Kindergarten
• Maintained funding for highly capable students
• Passage of E2SHB 1418 establishing a statewide dropout reengagement system
• Passage of HB 2621 designating resource programs for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instruction in K-12 schools
• Passage of HB 2996 including approved private schools in record check information rules
• Passage of ESSB 6604 eliminates student learning plans, except for eighth grade
• Passage of E2SSB 6696 which addresses school and school district accountability, educator preparation, teacher and principal evaluations, academic standards, and parent and community involvement in schools

How is the AWSP-WSPLEA PAC funded?

All contributions to the PAC are voluntary; no AWSP dues are used to support the AWSP-WSPLEA and members are not required to donate to the PAC. And while AWSP has been successful in its governmental relations efforts, it could be even more influential with greater support from its members. Currently the Association of Washington School Principals has 2,699 active members, yet only 406 are members of AWSP-WSPLEA! 

How do I join the AWSP-WSPLEA PAC?

Your PAC contribution provides for a team of advocates who represent the education priorities of principals in the legislative process; for effective testimony by principals who know the challenges of the position and the needs of today's students; for representation at key meetings and hearings; for a voice on leadership.

Membership in AWSP-WSPLEA requires a minimum contribution of $75 annually (Jan 1. - Dec. 31). Contributions may be annually or monthly, and can be automatically deducted via an authorized payroll deduction program through your district payroll office or an automatic withdrawal through your bank. Simply complete the application below and mail it in. It's that simple!

Join the AWSP-WSPLEA today and help make a difference in Olympia! and Washington D.C.

AWSP-WSPLEA PAC Membership Application
Automatic Withdrawal Agreement Form (Please submit with membership application if choosing monthly withdrawal option)

Board Member Roster

Last updated: 5/16/2012