March 18th Edition
AWSA Update
2026-27 AWSA Professional Learning Catalog
The AWSA Professional Learning Catalog is now available online with all of the conferences, academies, and coaching resources available in 2026-27. Consider participating in one of AWSA's in-depth academies. We increasingly see leaders' investment in academy work translating into improved student outcomes.
Registration is Open for the School Administrative Assistants Conference
Please encourage your administrative assistant to register for the School Administrative Assistants’ Conference July 22-23, 2026 at the Madison Marriott West.
A Rural School's Focus on Culture Helps It Defy Achievement Odds
Sevastopol Elementary School, with its 35% economically disadvantaged (ED) enrollment, has defied the odds with high achievement scores and closing gaps. In 2025, it earned rankings in the top 10% or higher from outlets such as U.S. News & World Report and SchoolDigger.com. But, in 2018 when staff reviewed the state assessment data a concerning gap was identified: the ED student population was trailing their general education (GE) peers by approximately 20 points in both the core areas of English/Language Arts (ELA) and math. Read more here.
End of Regular Session Brings Closure to Key Education Proposals
On Tuesday, March 17, the Wisconsin State Senate convened for its final day of the regular floor period, effectively bringing the 2025–26 legislative session to a close. Several bills that the School Administrators Alliance (SAA) had been actively tracking, many of which would have had significant implications for schools and students, were not included on the Senate’s final calendar. As a result, these proposals are now considered dead for the remainder of this legislative session. Similar legislation would need to be reintroduced when the next Legislature convenes in January 2027. Read more here.
New Law Requires Notice to Parents When Administrators Receive Certain Reports of Sexual Misconduct
2025 Wisconsin Act 57 (Act 57), codified at Wis. Stat. s. 118.07(6), is now in effect. Under this new law, every school must notify the parent or guardian of a pupil in certain instances when the school receives a report of sexual misconduct by a school staff member against a pupil. Principals of all grade levels need to be aware of this requirement and consider how it will be incorporated into school responses to alleged sexual misconduct by staff members against pupils. Read more here.
AWSA 2026 Election
The AWSA Board of Directors election will be held electronically from April 15-April 30, 2026. This year, Directors will be elected from Regions 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12. Members of each of these regions will be emailed a notification on April 15th with a link to an online ballot listing the candidate(s) for that region. As part of its succession planning, the Board has recruited candidates in each region. See candidates here.
Are You Retiring?
If you are retiring this year, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected]. We’d like to include you in our recognition announcement and also share with you information about retired membership with AWSA.
