Family, Trust, and Academic Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Scott Friedman sits down with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery, principal of Davis High School in Yakima School District, to explore how authentic relationships, student voice, and high expectations are shaping a thriving school community.

Serving more than 2,000 students in one of Washington's most diverse high schools, Heather shares how Davis has embraced the concept of authentic cariño—a culture of care that extends beyond relationships to include academic excellence, student belonging, and community engagement.

The conversation explores the school's advisory system, student voice circles, family engagement strategies, and distributed leadership structures that have helped improve outcomes for students while strengthening trust among staff, students, and families.

Heather also reflects on the importance of listening deeply, empowering others to lead, and creating systems that ensure every student feels known, valued, and challenged.

This episode offers practical leadership insights for principals and assistant principals seeking to strengthen culture, improve engagement, and create schools where all students can thrive.