Hello, folks of the 18th Legislative District!

It’s officially fall, and I know many of you are busy with back-to-school activities and more! The 2027 legislative session is just a few months away, and I’m busy meeting with community members and advocates to draft legislation that addresses many of the challenges the 18th district and Washington state face. As a parent and educator, my biggest priorities have always been supporting working families and improving our education system.

I’m currently drafting bills that tackle major problems impacting our public schools. This includes two bills aimed at improving requirements for school district leadership and promoting safe learning environments for students. Did you know that Washington State is one of five remaining states that do not have state laws on certification requirements for school district superintendents, special education directors, and other district-level administrators? The legislation would increase certification qualifications for public school administrators and require them to submit annual declarations about whether they have received reports of student abuse by staff.

Right now, you can become a superintendent, assistant superintendent, special education director, or other district-level administrator who oversees teachers and programming in Washington state without having ever set foot in a classroom. The first bill I have drafted would establish certification requirements for superintendents to ensure they have training in teaching and are prepared to lead school districts. Beginning July 1, 2029, school district and Educational Service District (ESD) superintendents, assistant superintendents, and deputy superintendents would be required to hold a superintendent administrator certificate or conditional certificate. Candidates for administrator certificates would also need to complete specific coursework, including enhanced school finance training, hold — or have previously held — a valid teaching certificate or comparable out-of-state certificate for at least three years, and satisfy other requirements.

We need to set higher standards for the people we trust to run our schools, including requiring classroom experience, certification, and education in school finance. At a time when more schools are in binding condition than ever before, it’s critical our district-level administrators understand school finances.

I have also drafted legislation to increase transparency in public schools and help protect students from abuse and neglect. The second bill I have drafted would require public school superintendents and human resources directors to submit an annual declaration to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), under penalty of perjury, stating whether they are aware of student misconduct involving a school employee. They would be required to attest that they:

  • Are unaware of abuse or neglect by a school employee or contractor;

  • Have not received reports of physical or sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or assault involving a school employee or contractor; and

  • Are unaware of specified forms of sexual misconduct between a school employee and a student.

If they are aware of such conduct, they would be required to attest that they reported it to law enforcement. We must establish stricter enforcement against the concealment of misconduct in our schools. This legislation can help us keep our students safe by requiring transparency at the highest levels of school leadership and establishing consequences for failing to report abuse.

Check out this article from the Columbian to learn more about these two bills I have drafted!

2027 Washington State Legislative Internship Program

The application for the 2027 Washington State Legislative Internship Program is now open! Interns from across the state come to the Olympia area during their Spring Semester or Winter Quarter to serve as full-time, nonpartisan staff members helping offices during the session.

Our office has been fortunate to work with two amazing interns since I took office in 2025! This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to learn more about the policymaking process while gaining hands-on experience in state government. You can learn more and apply to the program by visiting https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/internship-program/

It’s essential I hear from you this interim as I prepare for the 2027 legislative session! Please call my office at 360-786-7634 or email me at Adrian.Cortes@leg.wa.gov.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to continuing our work together.

Sen. Adrian Cortes