The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence recognizes and honors two outstanding Seattle Public Schools principals who have demonstrated success in promoting educational justice and racial equity at their school. The selection process considers colleague and community nominations, school data, and principal commitment and effectiveness. Principals must have served at least three years in their current school to be eligible for the award. All recipients are publicly recognized and awarded a $25,000 grant to be utilized at their school. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney who displayed a strong personal commitment to public education. 

• 1999-2000: Stephanie Haskins, Madison Middle School
• 2000-2001: Eric Benson, Nathan Hale High School
• 2003-2004: Ruth Medsker, Asa Mercer International Middle School
• 2005-2006: Princess Shareef, Meany Middle School
• 2006-2007: John Boyd, Chief Sealth High School
• 2007-2008: Kaaren Andrews, Madrona K-8
• 2008-2009: Phil Brockman, Ballard High School
• 2009-2010: Ted Howard, Garfield High School
• 2010-2011: Jeff Clark, Denny International Middle School
• 2011-2012: Jill Hudson, Nathan Hale High School
• 2012-2013: Mia Williams, Aki Kurose Middle School
• 2012-2013: Jennifer Wiley, Franklin High School
• 2013-2014: Barbara Moore, South Lake High School
• 2014-2015: Debbie Nelson, Hazel Wolf K-8 ESTEM School
• 2015-2016: Mark Perry, Nova High School
• 2018-2019: Rena Deese, Alki Elementary School
• 2018-2019: Anitra Pinchback-Jones, Rainier View Elementary School
• 2018-2019: Chris Carter, Asa Mercer International Middle School
• 2018-2019: Treena Sterk, Nathan Eckstein Middle School
• 2019-2022: Award break due to COVID-19 pandemic
• 2022-2023: Dr. William Jackson, Nathan Hale High School
• 2022-2023: Pamela McCowan-Conyers, West Seattle Elementary School