Seattle Principals Honored With $30K Foster Award For Championing Equity

The Alliance for Education, the local education fund for the Seattle Public School district, recently awarded the 2025 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence to Principal Zachary Stowell of Robert Eagle Staff Middle School and Principal Regina Carter of Madrona Elementary School. Each recipient received a $30,000 grant for their school. This year’s award held added significance as it coincided with the Alliance’s 30th anniversary.

Each year, the Foster Award honors two Seattle Public Schools principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing educational justice and racial equity. Established in 1999, the award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney with a strong commitment to public education. It also provides additional funding to help principals meet student needs beyond their standard school budgets.

Dr. Brent Jones, superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, said the recognition goes beyond celebrating leadership.

“The Foster Award is more than just a celebration of leadership; it is a recognition of those who dare to envision schools where every student thrives—where educational justice is not just a concept, but a daily practice,” Jones said. “Principal Stowell has led with courage, compassion and self-reflection that makes a difference for their students, their staff, and to the Seattle community.”

Awardees were selected through a combination of community and colleague nominations and demonstrated improvements in school-level data, including equity and antiracism climate surveys, district college and career readiness goals, and proficiency in math and English language arts.

Stowell has become a sought-after leader across the district and state for cultivating a school community built on equity, cultural responsiveness, and restorative justice. He prioritizes student and family voices through initiatives such as restorative justice circles and parent advisory groups, and he ensures school systems are co-designed to empower shared ownership among all stakeholders.

“When I came to Robert Eagle Staff with my assistant principal, we said, ‘we’re going to try to do middle school different’ by centering on the lived experiences of students and those that are historically marginalized, with the goal that we all rise when we do that,” Stowell said.

Under his leadership, the school launched the C3 Focus Student initiative, directing intentional attention and support to students furthest from educational justice. These efforts have contributed to Robert Eagle Staff achieving some of the highest scores on the district’s school climate survey.

“To get recognized for that work a couple years after, when we’re truly creating upward movement in student achievement and belonging, is validating in so many ways,” he said.

Although the award bears his name, Stowell says that it represents the efforts of the entire school community.

“From our lunch folks, bus drivers, safety and security team, to everyone, there is just joy and safety in a space where we have more needs and dwindling resources,” he said. “How can we be strategic and make sure that we are maximizing, squeezing every penny, and connecting and collecting to be able to ensure our kids have a sound quality experience. So, the recognition means a lot.”

Reflecting on the challenges and lessons since the pandemic, Stowell described how those experiences continue to shape his leadership.

“I have seen our teachers that haven’t felt supported, and I have seen students that have maybe upheld unjust systems from people not understanding the behaviors of function of need,” he said. “All of the pieces were here, it just took a little different energy post pandemic and we are reaping the benefits now.”

Yonas Fikak, vice president of impact at the Alliance for Education, praised both Stowell and Carter for their unyielding, student-centered leadership.

“Their dedication to transforming antiquated school systems to uplift students furthest from educational justice exemplifies who we want to be leading our schools,” Fikak said. “As a former school leadership team member, I know firsthand that Principal Carter and Principal Stowell are what antiracist leadership looks and sounds like.”