Dr. Justin Irish
Since assuming the role of Superintendent of the Anacortes School District on July 1, 2020, Dr. Justin Irish has brought with him a rich educational background deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Holding a bachelor’s degree, a doctorate from the University of Washington, and a master’s degree in teaching from Seattle University, Dr. Irish is steadfast in his commitment to driving positive change in education.
Dr. Irish's leadership style is defined by collaboration and distributive leadership, where he prioritizes trust and cultivates a socially and emotionally productive environment. He places value on openness in recognizing strengths and weaknesses, fostering a culture where colleagues celebrate successes and support each other's growth. As a relational leader, he actively models continuous learning and emphasizes the social and emotional well-being of the organization. This aligns seamlessly with his dedication to empowering educators to reach their highest potential.
The vision for the Anacortes School District centers around maintaining and enhancing passion, purpose, and possibility. Dr. Irish envisions achieving this vision through collaborative efforts to identify and address diverse needs outlined in a strategic plan, ensuring that systems are aligned to support educators in positively impacting student performance.
Recognizing the paramount importance of community engagement, Dr. Irish has initiated the establishment of a Superintendent Advisory Council. In response to societal divisions and budgeting challenges, this council serves as a multifaceted platform:
- Communication Hub: Actively engaging various stakeholders, including school and community partners, business supporters, youth, parents, government workers, service clubs, and volunteers, the council is a vital channel for disseminating information about the district’s strategic plan and annual agenda.
- Community Ambassadors: Council members act as district ambassadors, fostering a robust connection between the district and its stakeholders. This involvement enhances transparency and nurtures a strong sense of community ownership.
- Bridge Between Operations and Board: As a vital link between operations and the board, the council facilitates seamless communication through the superintendent, who serves on both groups. This ensures a cohesive flow of information and collaboration.
- Strategic Input: The council actively supports operations by identifying ad hoc committees or stakeholders with specific skills and connections. These entities provide valuable feedback regarding the district's strategic direction and annual plan, ensuring a collaborative approach considering diverse decision-making perspectives.
Dr. Justin Irish's leadership is characterized by a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the alignment of systems to drive efficiencies centered on student learning. His approach aims to maintain and enhance the district's passion, purpose, and possibility. By fostering open communication channels, Dr. Irish ensures that all stakeholders, including staff, students, and the community, actively contribute to the district's strategic vision. This collaborative engagement is the cornerstone for building a well-informed and connected educational community. Through these efforts, Dr. Irish propels the district towards a future where educational excellence is achieved through shared goals, unified efforts, and a relentless focus on the positive impact on student learning.
Dr. Rebecca Clifford
Dr. Rebecca Clifford is originally from central New York and moved to the West Coast to attend the University of Washington Danforth School for Principal and District Leadership. Both of her parents were educators, so she hadn't initially planned on pursuing a career in education. She originally studied business but was eventually drawn into the field of education. In New York, she taught as a special education teacher K-12, developing a high school behavior program and providing Resource Service in a co-taught model to support students with IEPs K-8th grade. After completing her principal and district administrator certification in Washington, she worked in and later led the special education department in the state's largest district, Seattle Public Schools.
Following this, she transitioned into consulting, supporting districts in system development and business process redesign. She served as an interim executive director of special services for Everett School District and eventually took on a permanent position in this role. Throughout these experiences, she worked towards obtaining my superintendent credentials.
During the height of the COVID pandemic, she assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and Inclusive Services in the Anacortes School District. Over the past four years, she had the privilege of collaborating with the collective community to develop high-quality instruction and inclusive practices to ensure each student reaches their highest potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Her passion lies in making a positive impact on the lives of every student. With students as her primary focus, her mission is to help shape a supportive educational system that empowers staff members, families, and community members to collaboratively create an environment conducive to student success.
She brings a background in both general and special education, approaching leadership with a systemic perspective gained from working in diverse districts across rural, suburban, and urban settings nationwide. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys going on adventures, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and indulging in movies or a good book.
System leadership, Change Management:
Adaptive and Technical Leadership, Process Improvement, Special Education, Student Services, Facilitation & Professional Development, and Principal & District Leadership Development.
Certifications:
Superintendent Certification, University of WA | Change Management, Prosci CO | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, University of Washington, WA | Principles of Project
Management, Versatile, WA | Principal and Program Administrator, University of
Washington, WA | Elementary & Special Education Teacher, SUNY
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.png)
