State Sen. Rodney Tom has been selected by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) to receive the 2009 Torch of Leadership Award. The award honors a state-level public servant who has demonstrated support of principals and the principalship in the education of all students.

Tom, who represents the 48th district, is being honored by AWSP for his commitment to K-12 education during the 2009 legislative session.

According to AWSP Director of Governmental Relations Jerry Bender, the senator has kept education a top priority, even when the demands of a downward economy made it difficult to do so.

“He appreciates the challenges principals face, and has championed legislation that provides what is needed to carry our students and schools forward,” explained Bender.

As a member of the Basic Education Funding Task Force, Tom (D-Medina) helped craft ESHB 2261, which ushers in a new plan for the full funding of K-12 basic education in the state. He also backed bills supporting the state’s principal internship program and the Washington State Leadership Academy.

“Principals will play a vital role as we move forward with education reform within the constraints of stagnant revenues,” said Tom, upon learning of the award. “Very few areas in education give us better leverage than making sure every school has a great principal.”

Tom just completed his first term in the Senate after serving two terms in the House. He is the vice chair for the operating budget on the Ways and Means Committee and also serves on the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee and the Judiciary Committee.

The senator will be honored with a formal recognition and award presentation at AWSP’s 2009 Principals’ Conference, Oct. 18–20, in Yakima.