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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               Amy Riggs
               Communications, Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA)
               360.943.5717
               ariggs@wasa-oly.org

Education Leaders Conclude Summer Conference
26th annual event honors administrators, provides professional development

OLYMPIA – June 27, 2006 – Members of the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) concluded their 26th annual Summer Conference today with remarks from both Gov. Christine Gregoire and State Superintendent Dr. Terry Bergeson.   The conference, held at the Spokane Convention Center, routinely draws between 500 and 700 superintendents, district administrators, school principals, assistant principals and education policy experts. This year, close to 800 school leaders attended the event.

"Research has shown time and again the direct link between strong leadership and student achievement,” said Gary Kipp, AWSP executive director. “Events like Summer Conference give school leaders some much-needed time to reflect on their own strengths, identify opportunities for improvement and find new solutions to continuing challenges. It’s a great way to begin the planning process for next year given all of our great conference offerings,” he said.

In addition to closing remarks from the governor and Supt. Bergeson, attendees heard the inspirational and charismatic insights of Pedro Noguera, a professor in the Steinhardt School of Education at New York University and director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education. Attendees were able to choose from nearly 60 concurrent sessions on topics ranging from leadership strategies and curriculum challenges to updates on Washington Learns and the new high school graduation requirements.   

"School and district leaders care about the young people they serve. They care about their progress in school and in life after graduation,” said Jill Jacoby, WASA executive director. “This conference is a valuable opportunity for educational leaders to come together to enhance their effectiveness and strengthen the strategies that prepare their students for a successful future."

While professional development is the centerpiece of this annual conference, it is also a time for both associations to honor its members, its partners and others in the K-12 world. The awards, announced at each association’s luncheon on Monday, June 26, included:

AWSP

• AWSP President’s Award – Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D-Bothell), chair, Senate Early Learning, K-12 and Higher Education Committee.

"In this pivotal time for our public education system, Washington’s principals are unwavering in their commitment to preparing all students for life beyond high school,” said McAuliffe of the award. “I thank the AWSP for this honor and for its ongoing efforts to provide our students a world-class education.”

WASA

• WASA Golden Gavel Award – Gov. Christine Gregoire
• Service to WASA Award - Washington's Nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs)
• WASA Leadership Award – Dr. Bette Hyde, superintendent, Bremerton S.D.

For a complete list of other WASA awards, including student achievement awards, awards of merit, 20-year service and retiree awards, visit the Association’s Web site at www.wasa-oly.org.

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About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals, assistant principals and principals in training. Formed in 1972, the Association now includes more than 3,500 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It is governed by a board of practicing principals composed of members drawn from three grade-specific boards representing the elementary, middle and high school levels. The mission of AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For more information on the Association, visit the AWSP Web site at www.awsp.org.

About the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) 
The Washington Association of School Administrators is committed to the development of quality education through professional leadership. Members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders working to provide insightful and valuable training, support and resources to education leaders, and to sustain a positive impact on legislative and community leaders. With more than 1,600 members, membership is open to all education administrators in central office, building managements and educational agency positions. A not-for profit organization, WASA is funded by membership dues and association events. To learn more, visit the Association’s Web site at www.wasa-oly.org.