A Matter of Principals

In this special episode of A Matter of Principals, David Morrill sits down with former AWSP Executive Director Gary Kipp to explore the origins and evolution of the AWSP Leadership Framework.

As one of the key architects of the framework, Gary reflects on the educational shifts that shaped its development, including the move from classroom autonomy toward greater system alignment, the impact of No Child Left Behind, and the Race to the Top initiative that accelerated the adoption of performance-based evaluation systems.

Gary shares the story of how a small group of practitioners and researchers spent two years identifying the most important leadership responsibilities that influence student learning. Those original seven responsibilities ultimately became the foundation of the AWSP Leadership Framework used by principals and assistant principals across Washington State today.

The conversation also explores common misconceptions about the framework, including the tendency to view it as a checklist or evaluation tool rather than a planning and improvement framework. Gary discusses the interconnected nature of leadership, why no criterion exists in isolation, and how principals can use the framework proactively to improve culture, instruction, and student outcomes.

Whether you’re new to school leadership or have worked with the framework for years, this episode provides valuable context about its purpose, history, and enduring relevance.

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Gina Yonts sits down with two outstanding middle school leaders: Kim Doepker and Heidi Fagerness.

What unfolds is less an interview and more a conversation between colleagues who have become trusted thought partners through their involvement with AWSP and the Middle Level Leadership Committee.

Kim and Heidi reflect on their unique journeys into leadership, discuss the challenges and opportunities of middle school leadership, and share how collaboration with fellow principals has strengthened their work around MTSS, school improvement, data analysis, systems development, and culture-building.

Throughout the conversation, their complementary leadership styles become clear. Kim describes herself as a systems-focused leader who thrives on creating structures and clarity, while Heidi embraces her role as a culture-focused leader who prioritizes relationships, trust, and belonging.

Together, they explore what it means to be vulnerable as a leader, how professional networks accelerate growth, and why every principal needs people they can call when challenges arise.

The episode serves as a reminder that great leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about creating the conditions for learning, growth, and collaboration among students, staff, and fellow leaders.

Special Guests: Heidi Fagerness and Kim Doepker.

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Gina Yonts sits down with Manny Rangel, assistant principal at La Center Middle School, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, belonging, and the life-changing power of relationships.

Drawing from his experiences growing up in the Yakima Valley, serving in the military, coaching basketball, and working in school leadership, Manny shares the mentors and educators who helped shape his path. Those experiences continue to fuel his passion for ensuring students and families feel seen, valued, and supported.

Throughout the conversation, Manny reflects on the importance of advocacy, family engagement, inclusion, and creating meaningful connections with students—especially those who may feel disconnected from school or uncertain about their future.

He shares stories about supporting immigrant families, strengthening parent participation, improving student attendance, and helping students recognize their own potential. At the heart of every story is a simple belief: relationships come first.

For school leaders, the episode offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not about fixing people—it’s about helping them see what is possible and ensuring they never walk alone.

Special Guest: Manny Rangel.

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Nick Birklid, principal of Eatonville Elementary, to discuss leadership growth, school culture, and the importance of creating systems that support both students and staff.

Nick shares his journey from teacher and coach to principal, reflecting on how his early focus on systems evolved into a deeper understanding of communication, trust, and culture-building. He candidly discusses lessons learned from previous leadership experiences and explains how those lessons have shaped his work at Eatonville Elementary.

The conversation explores the school's efforts around inclusion, distributed leadership, staff collaboration, and supporting students receiving special education services. Nick also shares practical examples of how he creates opportunities for teachers and paraeducators to contribute to decision-making and student success.

Throughout the episode, one theme remains consistent: great systems matter, but culture is what allows those systems to succeed.

Listeners will come away with practical leadership insights about communication, vulnerability, continuous improvement, and the importance of building schools where every student feels they belong.

Special Guest: Nick Birklid.

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Scott Friedman sits down with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery, principal of Davis High School in Yakima School District, to explore how authentic relationships, student voice, and high expectations are shaping a thriving school community.

Serving more than 2,000 students in one of Washington's most diverse high schools, Heather shares how Davis has embraced the concept of authentic cariño—a culture of care that extends beyond relationships to include academic excellence, student belonging, and community engagement.

The conversation explores the school's advisory system, student voice circles, family engagement strategies, and distributed leadership structures that have helped improve outcomes for students while strengthening trust among staff, students, and families.

Heather also reflects on the importance of listening deeply, empowering others to lead, and creating systems that ensure every student feels known, valued, and challenged.

This episode offers practical leadership insights for principals and assistant principals seeking to strengthen culture, improve engagement, and create schools where all students can thrive.

Special Guest: Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery.

In this episode of Principal Matters, Scott Friedman sits down with East Valley High School Principal Ryan Arnold to discuss his leadership journey from classroom teacher to principal and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Ryan shares how strong relationships, instructional leadership, and distributive leadership have shaped his approach to leading a high school. He discusses building trust with students and staff, creating a positive school culture, supporting continuous improvement, and developing sustainable systems that outlast any one leader.

The conversation explores the importance of human connection in education, the role of school climate in driving student success, and why effective leadership begins with helping people feel seen, understood, and valued.

Key topics include:

Whether you're a new administrator or a veteran school leader, this episode offers practical insights into creating the conditions where students and staff can thrive.

Special Guest: Ryan Arnold.

In this episode of a Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Dr. Tamara York, principal of Littlerock Elementary in Tumwater School District, to discuss how intentional leadership can strengthen school culture, deepen family engagement, and support student success.

Tamara shares her unique journey into education, beginning with more than a decade of teaching and leading schools in western China before returning to Washington to pursue classroom teaching and eventually school leadership. She reflects on what drew her to educational leadership and the lessons she has learned during her first two years at Littlerock Elementary.

The conversation explores several successful initiatives, including the school's Watch D.O.G.S. family engagement program, a staff-led student mentorship effort, and the implementation of a new reading intervention model. Throughout the discussion, Tamara emphasizes the importance of culture, collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and maintaining high expectations for students and staff.

Listeners will also hear her advice for fellow leaders: "Perfect the pause"—a reminder that thoughtful leadership often begins by slowing down and responding intentionally rather than reacting quickly.

This episode provides practical examples of leadership aligned to the AWSP Leadership Framework and offers valuable insights for principals and assistant principals seeking to strengthen relationships, systems, and outcomes in their schools.

Special Guest: Dr. Tamara York.

What does it really look like to lead meaningful change in a school?

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Jenny Hunt, principal of Broadview Elementary in Oak Harbor, to explore how one school transformed its approach to reading, intervention, and student success.

Jenny shares how her team moved from overwhelmed and fragmented to focused and aligned—building a system where data drives instruction, staff share ownership, and every student is considered a Tier 1 learner first.

This conversation is a powerful example of the AWSP Leadership Framework in action—especially Criterion 3: Planning with Data, supported by strong systems (Criterion 5), culture (Criterion 1), and a relentless focus on closing gaps (Criterion 8).

You’ll hear:

If you’re a school leader trying to move from initiative overload to clarity and impact—this episode will resonate.

Special Guest: Jenny Hunt.

Roz's update dives into this past week in the Legislature, including budget challenges, key education bills on the move (or getting cut), and what’s next as lawmakers shift focus to floor votes. Plus, we’ll cover OSPI’s discipline rule changes and an urgent call to action for simple majority bonds.

Join Roz Thompson, AWSP's Director of Government Relations, in an engaging conversation with Senator Lisa Wellman, Chair of the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. In this episode, they discuss essential topics for the upcoming legislative session, including funding for basic education, special education, transportation, mental health support, and operations costs. Senator Wellman also shares insights on potential new legislation and her commitment to addressing family crises and school support systems. Stay informed about the latest in education policies and how they impact principals and assistant principals across the state.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Special Guest: Sen. Lisa Wellman.