May 23, 2012

Contact: Linda Farmer, APR | Director of Communications
Association of Washington School Principals
O: 360.357.7951 | C: 253.232.2891
lindaf@awsp.org

Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos Earns AWSP 2012
Torch of Leadership Award

 
The Seattle Democrat was instrumental in educational gains this legislative session

OLYMPIA – The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) announced today that Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos is the 2012 Torch of Leadership Award Winner. Santos, a Democrat representing the 37th district, was chosen for her commitment to K-12 education during the 2012 legislative session.

As chair of the House Education Committee, Santos’ passion for all students being successful is evident. She has continually sponsored bills to address the education opportunity gap. For example, in the 2012 session she was the prime sponsor of HB 1669 which changed the focus from achievement to opportunity of the different ethnic groups, and HB 1470 which delays the passage of science exams as a graduation requirement from 2013 to 2015. And, she was a co-sponsor of bills addressing harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Santos sees the need for innovation in schools and was proud to co-sponsor HB 1521 which calls for OSPI to identify and designate Washington Innovation Schools. She clearly wants strong public schools for all children in the state that are accountable to the public. Santos also is a member of the Education Appropriations and Oversight Committee and has been a strong advocate for stable funding for K-12 Education. Vinh Nguyen, Principal at Orchards Elementary School (Evergreen PS) and chair of the AWSP Legislative Committee, said, “I am glad we are able to recognize Representative Santos for her advocacy of full funding of K-12 education, especially during our recent challenging legislative sessions.”

“Representative Santos has been willing to hear how principals feel about education issues anytime and anyplace,” said Jerry Bender, Director of Governmental Relations. “I have always appreciated her willingness to make time to discuss the impact of potential legislation on students and schools.”

Before being elected as a state representative in 1998, Santos was a gifts manager for the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority. She also worked on policy issues for King County in the mid-1990s. Santos earned a bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College and a master's degree from Northeastern University.

AWSP officially will honor Santos in October 2012 at its Fall Legislation Committee meeting. AWSP founded the Torch of Leadership Award in 2009.

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About the Association of Washington School Principals
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 3,400 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It is governed by a board of practicing principals drawn from three grade-specific boards representing the elementary, middle and high school levels. For more information, visit www.awsp.org.