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Home Principals Handbook Legal Support

Professional and Legal Support for Principals

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 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

Other Resources:

• 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

Last updated: July 7, 2010