We are disappointed that our local newspaper recently shared a narrow perspective about the demotion and resignation of our high school principal, Daniel Williams, and the resignation of Jamie Woodards as assessment and special projects coordinator. If given the time and opportunity to respond, we would have been prepared to share our perspectives.

The District believes in the capacity of students, parents, and staff to respond to bias and lead in an inclusive, equity-focused way. The District is committed to creating an inclusive environment and has high expectations for its school leaders and employees. It has a solid commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and views its decisions using that frame. The District recognizes individual and systemic racism exists in society and believes it essential to engage in conversations about inequities but denies that race played any role in the District's employment decisions related to Mr. Williams and Ms. Woodards.

Mr. Williams began serving as the Anacortes High School principal on July 1, 2021. As with any new principal, we implemented several measures to support him in becoming a successful principal. 

The support included: 

• Before the school year, the District partnered with community leaders to sponsor two community-based welcoming events for Mr. Williams. 

• The District encouraged Mr. Williams to become active in the Anacortes community, including attending school and community functions. 

• The District scheduled monthly formal meetings with his evaluator and provided continuous feedback to support day-to-day operations. 

• The District assigned a formal mentor, supported by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP). He had unlimited access to the mentor. 

• The District provided ongoing feedback and support from the district office executive team to plan and implement day-to-day operations and school improvement processes.

• The District scheduled monthly meetings with all district leadership and principals to understand timely district operations, align leadership, and manage instructional practices

• The District provided formal onboarding meetings with the District's executive team to discuss operations and leadership specific to Anacortes School District. Topics include: understanding the District's strategic plan and policy governance; developing shared-decision making processes and partnerships with union leadership; identifying critical timelines expected throughout the school year; using technology tools and student safety; understanding curriculum adoption; learning about special education processes; using technology, food services, and transportation functions; implementing teacher evaluation systems; accessing finance and budgets; and understanding community and public relations.

By November of 2021, significant issues with Mr. Williams' performance became apparent. We discussed a Plan of Improvement by mid-year, which would have provided increased feedback and coaching support toward meeting his goals. Mr. Williams refused this assistance. 

By March, the District determined that Mr. Williams' leadership as a principal did not meet performance standards. Ultimately, the District changed his assignment, guaranteeing him continued employment by offering him a teaching position for the next school year. Mr. Williams refused the teaching assignment and resigned. 

Mr. Williams claims that he did not have input regarding the hiring process for the assistant principal position. This claim is inaccurate; he was a member of the interview team. There were two finalists selected. One candidate did not have high school experience; we did not choose this person to hire. The position also serves as principal of Cap Sante High School, which reports directly to the superintendent. The superintendent is always the final decision-maker for principal and assistant principal roles.  

Because Mr. Williams and Ms. Woodards have chosen to pursue legal claims, the District will not comment on either situation further. The District is confident that its decisions will be upheld through the legal process. 

The District's top priority and focus remain on the education of its students.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent 

Board expresses support for Superintendent, process

The Anacortes School Board unequivocally supports Dr. Justin Irish as the superintendent of Anacortes School District; we have complete confidence in his leadership. Dr. Irish and the Board are firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy is our guide as we collaborate with district students, staff, and community to accomplish high standards and equitable outcomes for all students.

The Board was made aware of concerns about Mr. Williams’ leadership performance in November. The superintendent, district staff, and a mentor have supported Mr. Williams throughout the school year; however, there has been limited progress. We expect all Anacortes School District staff to have the support they need to be successful, and it is disappointing that Mr. Williams was unable to make the necessary improvements. Dr. Irish has years of experience mentoring, supporting, and evaluating school principals. As a Board, we are confident Dr. Irish is following the appropriate staff evaluation process.

Signed, 

Jennie Beltramini, Board President

Diana Farnsworth, Board Vice President 

Matt Cutter

Marilyn Hanesworth

Meredith McIlmoyle

Questions? Contact Superintendent Justin Irish, jirish@asd103.org or (360) 503-1211