{"id":3294,"date":"2026-09-23T15:02:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T22:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/?p=3294"},"modified":"2026-09-23T15:02:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T22:02:21","slug":"september-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/cortes\/2026\/09\/23\/september-update\/","title":{"rendered":"September Update"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello, folks of the 18th Legislative District!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019m busy meeting with community members and advocates to draft legislation that addresses many of\u00a0the 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.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m currently drafting bills that tackle major problems\u00a0impacting 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\u00a0remaining 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 or have previously held \u2014 a valid teaching certificate or comparable out-of-state certificate for at least three years, and satisfy other requirements.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s critical our district-level administrators understand school finances.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n