NEW Dayton principal helps press case with federal lawmakers

Katie Leid was part of a delegation from the state that paid a visit to Congress earlier this month.

DAYTON -- Dayton Elementary/Middle School Principal Katie Leid was part of a delegation of principals from Washington who met with federal lawmakers to advocate for new policies to help principals functions as effective leaders.

The principals are members of the Association of Washington School Principals, and were in Washington, D.C., to attend the National Association of Elementary School Principals' National Leaders Conference July 14-16.

The group of principals recommended reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. They also called on Congress to provide new policies that strengthen professional development for principals and include standards for comprehensive early childhood programs.

"One of my goals was to help lawmakers realize that all children deserve access to early childhood programs," Leid is quoted in a news release from the state association.

"For many years, Dayton School District has offered early childhood education opportunities to about 20 3- to 4-year-olds through our ECEAP and Special Education programs.  

While these two programs are funded to serve some children, they do not serve all 3- to 4-year-olds.  Many of our children, therefore, are missing the benefits of participating in early childhood education before entering kindergarten," Leid said.

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