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Home Principals Handbook Legal Support

AWSP Professional and Legal Services

AWSP provides members with a variety of support and resources to manage the complexities of today's principalship.

At some point in every principal's career, there may come a time when you need professional advice or legal counsel because of a job-related action. Members of AWSP can obtain professional advice simply by calling the Association office at 800.562.6100; a member of the executive staff will be available to respond in a prompt and confidential manner. These services are provided under the guidelines and limits established by the AWSP Board, and are coordinated by the executive director and the Professional Responsibilities and Rights (or "PR&R") Commission.

Professional Advice

All AWSP members (Active, Associate, Emeritus, Intern) are eligible for free professional advice from AWSP executive staff on job-related issues. Our seasoned staff can help navigate a thorny issue or offer a helpful second opinion. Our services are always confidential and respectful of all parties involved.

Examples of services rendered:

• Analysis of written and verbal communications and facts related to the problem
• Mediation with the parties involved
• Review of improvement plans
• Selection of a third-party fact-finder
• Help securing legal counsel with experience in school-related issues
• ASB financial advice

It all starts with a phone call. Reach us at 800.562.6100. It’s never too soon. Early professional advice can save time, money and careers.

Legal Services

Assistance in obtaining legal counsel for job-related matters is available only to Active AWSP members. Situations that existed prior to the effective date of Active membership are not eligible. Your Active AWSP membership is provided in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) or the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Benefits include:

• Up to $10,000 for job-related legal fees based on continuous years of Active membership with AWSP.
• Up to $14,000 that can be used for reimbursement of legal expenses for job-related criminal cases in which the AWSP Active member is exonerated.
• A $1 million liability policy that can be activated in the case of a job-related civil suit.

Learn more about these programs at www.naesp.org or www.principals.org.

How do I get started?

Call our office at 800.562.6100 to arrange for your initial consultation. An AWSP staff member will respond promptly in a confidential manner. Remember, it’s never too early to contact us.

Additional Legal Resources

• The AWSP Professional and Legal Services brochure
• The Legal Handbook for Washington School Principals and Administrators
• OSPI's Office of Professional Practices
• AWSP's Rules of the Road - Tips for Managing Professional and Legal Issues
• AWSP's PR&R Report for the 2009-10 school year
• Washington State Legislature - current statutes from RCW 28A.405 regarding employee conduct, evaluations and non-renewal

Professional Responsibilities and Rights Commission

In order to help principals navigate the myriad issues facing school principals, the Association established the Professional Responsibilities and Rights or "PR&R" Commission. This group of practicing principals from around the state meets annually to review legal challenges faced by AWSP members. AWSP intentionally placed the word "responsibility" before rights in naming the commission because we encourage our members to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions and follow the Code of Ethics established by AWSP, NAESP and NASSP.

As a professional, principals should know:

• Your job description and evaluation procedures required by law or adopted in district policies.
• The legal requirements of your position.

• Other conditions of your employment as established by law or district policies.
• Bargaining agreements that govern employees within the school district.
• Proper channels of communication within your district. 
• Procedures for dealing with disagreements, including grievance procedures for employees.
• Procedures for seeking AWSP assistance.
• Washington's Code of Professional Conduct for Education Practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions About AWSP Legal Support