Dr. Kurt Hatch Accepts Role of Educational Administration Program Director and Professor of Practice at UW Tacoma

Getting his doctorate isn’t the only change for Kurt. Starting June 1st, Dr. Kurt Hatch will be the Educational Administration Program Director and professor of practice at the University of Washington Tacoma. Although a direct loss for AWSP, it is an indirect win as Kurt will be shaping and preparing the next generation of school leaders at UWT. Kurt made AWSP better. He made us stronger as leaders. He left a long-lasting impact and legacy with us and across the state and country. We are better leaders thanks to Kurt’s time at AWSP. Future leaders enrolling in UW-T’s principal prep program will be in good hands. Learn more about Kurt's impact on AWSP and across the state in our blog post.

Welcome Layla and Billy to AWSL and Cispus!

Meet Layla (She/Her): “Hey y’all! I am originally from a small town in Kentucky. I attended Georgetown College where I got my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Sustainable Community Development and minors in Psychology and Spanish. I served as an Americorps member in my hometown working with people experiencing homelessness. I then moved to Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia where I taught high school English and elementary after-school programs. After teaching, I continued to work with youth and families to provide mental health supports and other resources. I received my Master of Social Work at the University of Missouri and began working in higher education designing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion programs and curriculum for faculty, staff and students. I have a passion for serving others, hearing their stories and working to make spaces and systems more equitable for all. In my free time, you can find me dancing somewhere! Otherwise, I’m hiking and foraging for tiny treasures in the forest to make jewelry and other art.” Meet Billy (He/Him): “Howdy y’all! My name’s Billy Hager-DeMyer! About three years ago I moved to Washington from Texas with my husband, Alex (we got married just before the pandemic, so I feel we can take on anything), and two pups, Harley and Mav, for a change of pace, new opportunities, and to further our education. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Conditioning, and minors in Coaching and Sociology. Since then, I have been a challenge course facilitator (on and off) for nearly a decade and specialized in leadership and training development through my master's program. When I’m not working I enjoy video games (right now I'm hooked on Dead by Daylight - I’m a bit of a horror fanatic), hiking, soccer, crossfit, DIYing, and playing with my two pups.” Layla started with AWSL in May, and Billy will begin at Cispus in July! We are excited to have them both as part of the team!

Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell is Named One of NASSP’s 2021 Digital Principals of the Year

Kelso Virtual Academy Principal Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell was one of NASSP’s 2021 Digital Principal of the Year (DPOY) Award recipients. The award recognizes extraordinary, tech-savvy school leaders from around the country, and recipients are honored for integrating digital media in their efforts to improve instruction, student achievement, and their own leadership.

Every year, AWSP selects a Washington State Principal of the Year. In the past, we’ve selected three state winners; one from elementary, one from middle level, and one from high school. This year, we’ve got one for secondary and one for elementary. Beginning this year, we’re revamping our Principal of the Year selection process. We will select one winner per ESD, regardless of level, and select one state winner from the nine ESD/Regional winners. This aligns with the classified, teacher, and superintendent of the year award programs.