SPOKANE—School superintendents, central office administrators and principals from across Washington state gathered in Spokane from June 24 through today to attend the 27^th annual WASA/AWSP Summer Conference cohosted by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP). More than 50 skill-building sessions were available for attendees as well as opportunities to reflect on the past year and pay tribute to those who celebrated high levels of achievement and/or reached career milestones in the past year.

“This year’s conference speakers reinforced the notion that we must continue to improve education in our state. Our kids need elevated math and science skills in order to keep Washington state in a strong, economic position,” said Paul Rosier, executive director of WASA. “As education leaders, we are obligated to educate not only our students but the communities they live in as well about the tremendous role they will play in our future. While it is important that we do not overlook the great strides we are making in student achievement, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must ensure that we are able to provide our students with the tools they need for future success.”

Compelling and inspirational presentations were delivered throughout the three-day conference. Motivational speaker Alvin Law gave a captivating presentation on Sunday evening. State Superintendent Terry Bergeson followed with the opening keynote address on Monday morning. Participants also had the opportunity on Monday to participate in a two-hour forum with Richard Rothstein from the Economic Policy Institute at Columbia University and a town hall meeting with Senators Tracey Eide and Rosemary McAuliffe. Closing remarks were shared by master teacher Susan Kovalik on Tuesday.

“Finding the time to collaborate with colleagues during the school year is an ongoing challenge. This conference provides school leaders with a prime opportunity to share what’s working and to look ahead to the new school year,” said Gary Kipp, AWSP executive director. “As a state, we continue to make good progress in helping all students achieve their full potential, and that progress must include the development of strong instructional leaders. We were pleased to offer so many thoughtful, interactive sessions for administrators and appreciate the chance to work with our colleagues at WASA on this important event.”

In addition to the conference’s focus on professional development, the event also played host to the associations’ annual awards luncheons on Monday. Those receiving special recognition this year included:

WASA

·         Golden Gavel Award (2): Representative Shay Schual-Berke and Senator Tracey Eide.

"I am humbled and deeply honored to receive the Golden Gavel award for the part I have played in bringing Washington voters their first chance in decades to repeal the 60% supermajority requirement for passage of school levies," stated Representative Schual-Berke. "HJR 4204 is a gesture of respect long overdue: respect for the majority of voters who faithfully vote to strengthen their communities' schools, only to be denied by a minority; respect for the educators, parents, students and community members who expend such money, time and effort only to have to repeat their efforts to get past 59.9%; and respect for every voter who deserves the opportunity to overturn this obsolete and burdensome hurdle.  Please accept my gratitude for this award, and for the continuing opportunity to work with the members of your association to ensure passage in November!"

"I am honored to receive the Golden Gavel award, presented to me by the Washington Association of School Administrators, for the work I have done to send the simple majority for school levies to a vote of the people," said Senator Tracey Eide. "The simple majority measure represents a huge victory for our schools and children.  So many parties have worked long and hard for this success and I am grateful that the voters of the state of Washington will have the opportunity to decide this vital issue in the Fall."

·         Service to WASA Award: PEMCO Insurance

"PEMCO Insurance is honored to be selected as the 2007 recipient of the Service to WASA Award.  Since education has served as PEMCO’s primary niche in the insurance market from its inception, WASA’s recognition of our partnership is particularly appreciated," stated PEMCO representative James Menzies. "Leading with relationships is a critical component of our business model. The selection of WASA to be a partner in PEMCO Administrator-of-the-Year and student scholarship programs is witness to the high regard we have for WASA members and the organization."

·         WASA Leadership Award: Dr. Bill Keim, superintendent, ESD 113

"I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award. WASA has been an invaluable source of advice, counsel and support since I returned to Washington state in 1991 as a school administrator. During that time, I have also relied heavily on the collegial support of WASA members, those who best understand the joys and challenges of the work we share. It is because of the high regard in which I hold WASA and its members that this award is so meaningful. I would be remiss, however, in accepting it without saying what we all know to be true. The achievements for which I have been recognized are due in equal measure to the outstanding ESD 113 team with whom I have the pleasure of serving. Without their creativity, support and hard work this honor would not have been possible."

·         Several regional awards and milestones also were acknowledged. For a complete list of WASA awards, including student achievement awards, awards of merit, 20-year service and retiree awards, go to http://www.wasa-oly.org/awards/2007awards.htm

AWSP

·         AWSP President’s Award: Two awards were presented this year to individuals who have provided outstanding service to principals and the Association. This year’s recipients were: William A. Coats, a school law attorney with Vandeberg, Johnson & Gandara; and Harry Clemmons, a retired administrator from Kennewick who oversees AWSP’s eastern Washington Assessor/Mentor program.

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 management and educational agency positions. A not-for-profit organization, WASA is funded by membership dues and association events. To learn more, visit WASA’s Web site at www.wasa-oly.org.

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.