We are deeply saddened by the news of a school shooting in Texas yesterday. Although we may be many miles away from Uvalde, Texas, we all feel the impact of violence that touches a school. We offer our deepest condolences to the families, students, staff and community that are grieving such a profound loss. 

Student & staff safety is our utmost priority. We have systems and plans in place to keep us as safe as possible, and are further refining our current safety plans. 

Our current safety measures include: 

• Secure entrances at all buildings 
• Regular drills with students to help them know how to respond in emergency situations
• Established safety plans. We are also reviewing and revising these plans to make them even more effective. 
• A School Resource Officer assigned to middle and high schools. 
• Collaborative partnerships with the Anacortes Police and Fire Departments. 
• Mental Health support at all schools. 

We know that these tragedies hit close to home, and can cause you and your children to have questions. Make time to talk and listen to your children’s concerns. Keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Reassure your children that their teachers, principals, and all school staff will do everything they can to keep them safe at school. 

Here are some additional resources for families: 

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)
• How to talk to kids after 14 children, teacher killed in Texas school shooting - ABC News (go.com)
• How to talk to children about shootings: An age-by-age guide (today.com)
• How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings | Common Sense Media
• Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf (schoolcrisiscenter.org) 

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

We are deeply saddened by the news of a school shooting in Texas yesterday. Although we may be many miles away from Uvalde, Texas, we all feel the impact of violence that touches a school. We offer our deepest condolences to the families, students, staff and community that are grieving such a profound loss. 

Student & staff safety is our utmost priority. We have systems and plans in place to keep us as safe as possible, and are further refining our current safety plans. 

Our current safety measures include: 

• Secure entrances at all buildings 
• Regular drills with students to help them know how to respond in emergency situations
• Established safety plans. We are also reviewing and revising these plans to make them even more effective. 
• A School Resource Officer assigned to middle and high schools. 
• Collaborative partnerships with the Anacortes Police and Fire Departments. 
• Mental Health support at all schools. 

We know that these tragedies hit close to home, and can cause you and your children to have questions. Make time to talk and listen to your children’s concerns. Keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Reassure your children that their teachers, principals, and all school staff will do everything they can to keep them safe at school. 

Here are some additional resources for families: 

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)
• How to talk to kids after 14 children, teacher killed in Texas school shooting - ABC News (go.com)
• How to talk to children about shootings: An age-by-age guide (today.com)
• How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings | Common Sense Media
• Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf (schoolcrisiscenter.org) 

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

Annette Woolsey will receive the 2022 Brodniak Award for Cultural Arts Education for her decades of advocacy, funding, and support of the arts both in the schools and the greater community.

Woolsey was director of Anacortes Youth Arts from 1992 through 1997, a board member of the Anacortes Arts Festival, a member of the ASD Cultural Education Committee and the Education Committee at the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA). She also sat on the board of ArtsEd WA, formerly known as Washington Alliance for Arts Education, for 10 years. She was a board member and active participant in Fidalgo DanceWorks for 15 years and has helped fund special arts projects in the school district and projects that link ASD students with Syrian refugees through poetry and art. In addition, Woosley serves on the jazz committee funded by the Manieri Endowment to the City of Anacortes.

In her nomination of Woolsey, retired Fidalgo teacher and former recipient of the Brodniak Award Sherry Chavers lauds Woolsey for her staunch support of youth arts and her tireless advocacy for the arts in all forms: dance, music, cross-cultural connections through poetry and art. 

“She has a passionate belief that children need art to be fully realized and to express themselves creatively,” said Chavers. “She believes that art is for ALL children and that it offers a ‘safe space’ to thrive. She deserves this because of her fierce and long-lasting commitment to the arts and the youth of Anacortes School District.” 

Woolsey found out about the award at a Manierei jazz committee meeting and was completely floored. She gives credit to the teachers and artists who have linked students to the many values the arts teach: achievement, suppleness of mind, cooperation, understanding of technology and the value of content, diversity and equity.

“I’m deeply honored that my work in the community has made a meaningful contribution to the school district,” Woolsey said. “It’s been a joy to see young people in our community, often students who are struggling in other areas, blossom and grow through the arts.”

The Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award was created in 1977, upon Mr. Brodniak's retirement as Superintendent of the Anacortes School District, "to foster growth of the cultural arts in the District." The award is given each spring to a student, faculty member, administrator, school director, community member or community organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural arts in the Anacortes School District during the current school year.

Woolsey will be recognized on May 19th at the school board meeting to be held at AHS library at 6:15 p.m. 

Questions? Contact the Superintendent’s Office: 360-503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org 

The Anacortes School District has reached an agreement with Daniel Williams, principal at Anacortes High School. Williams was hired as principal on July 1, 2021. The district’s insurance provider will cover the costs of the settlement. 

The district denies any of the allegations made in Williams’ claims. Both parties acknowledge that the agreement is not, and will not be construed as an admission of wrongdoing, liability or a violation of any duty, contract, law or regulation. Mr. Williams is no longer serving as principal at Anacortes High School. 

The district will continue to support the high school staff and students, especially through busy year-end activities. Families, students, and staff should reach out to Dr. Erin Duez if they have questions or need additional support. Superintendent Irish, Assistant Superintendent Becky Clifford, and other members of the district’s leadership team will continue to provide support as needed.

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

Dr. Erin Duez and Dr. Brian Hanrahan have been named as finalists for the principal position at Anacortes High School. Staff, families, students, and community members are invited to a public forum on Monday, May 23, 2022, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Brodniak Auditorium at Anacortes High School to hear a brief presentation from each candidate and engage in an audience Q&A. This presentation will also be live-streamed (youtube.com/ahslive). Feedback will be collected both in-person and electronically, although only in-person audience members will be able to ask questions of the candidates. 

These finalists will also take part in a multi-part interview panel at Anacortes High School next week, which will include meeting with students and staff, a building tour, and a performance exercise. 

Duez currently serves as Principal at Cap Sante High School and Assistant Principal at Anacortes High School. Hanrahan currently serves as Principal at Island View Elementary in Anacortes.

“This process has multiple facets to ensure that the successful candidate is able to navigate all aspects of the job,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We want to see how they engage with students, staff, and families. We also want to understand how they use decision-making processes to design rigorous learning opportunities for students.” 

The finalists were selected from a well-qualified pool of applicants following a comprehensive search for the next leader of Anacortes High School. An interview panel, composed of high school staff, student representatives, district administrators, and the superintendent chose the finalists for their background and experience leading schools and establishing a positive school culture. 

The principal at Anacortes High School oversees approximately 80 certificated and classified staff, and a student body of approximately 700 students. The high school has been recognized in the past for its high graduation rates, and achievement of students in academics, arts, and extracurricular activities. The principal serves on the District’s Leadership Team and helps guide the district’s focus on developing rigorous learning opportunities for all students. 

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

Anacortes Middle School Principal Patrick Harrington has accepted a position with the Oak Harbor School District as Assistant Superintendent, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. 

Harrington has served with the Anacortes School District for nearly 20 years, serving as assistant principal and principal at Anacortes Middle School. Harrington has also served as the district’s safety director for the past five years. 

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the district, its families, and its students for the past two decades,” said Harrington. “It has also been a pleasure serving under Superintendent Irish, as he guided our team through a couple of tough years. Our team is stronger because of his leadership. It was a very tough decision to leave the district.”  

Harrington noted he is grateful for the collaborative team at the middle school and district office. 

“The opportunity at Oak Harbor is the right step for me, professionally and personally, at this stage in my career, though I will be sad to leave the close friends and colleagues I have here in Anacortes,” said Harrington. 

Dr. Justin Irish noted Harrington’s strength in building relationships with his staff, families, and students. 

“Patrick’s knowledge of the community, district operations, and past practices has been invaluable to me,” said Irish. “He is truly a team player who will be missed. As sad as I am seeing him leave our district, I am excited for him to have a new opportunity. I fully support him as he advances in his career.” 

The district will develop a recruitment plan to hire the next middle school principal, with opportunities for staff and community input.  

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

We are partnering with Northwest Leadership Associates to recruit and screen applicants for the AHS principal position. The new principal’s first day will be July 1, 2022. There are multiple opportunities for the community to engage throughout the process. Applications are currently being accepted through April 29. 

Surveys for all Families, Staff, Students, and Community

A survey is currently open to all families, staff, students, and community members to gather feedback on leadership characteristics and qualities that you would like to see in our next principal. Please respond by April 20. 

Applicant Screening Process 

Northwest Leadership Associates will review all applicants and conduct background checks and references. They will support the executive leadership team and the superintendent in choosing 6-8 candidates to interview. We will use feedback from the survey to help identify applicants for interviews.

Interview Process 

A staff and student panel will interview selected candidates and choose 2-3 to move forward. The top 2 to 3 candidates will participate in multiple interviews and building tours with staff, students, and administrators and present to the community in a public forum. 

Community Forum for all Families, Staff, Students, and Community

Families, staff, students, and community members are invited to a community forum with the top 2-3 candidates on Monday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Brodniak Auditorium. Candidates will present and answer questions from in-person audience members. The forum will also be live-streamed (youtube.com/ahslive). 

Feedback on the candidates will be collected both in-person and electronically, although only in-person audience members will be able to ask questions of the candidates. 

Final Interviews

The superintendent will conduct final interviews with the top 2-3 candidates and decide based on feedback from all groups involved, performance throughout the interview process, and background and reference checks. 

Thank you for engaging in this important process. We look forward to your participation and feedback about the candidates.  

Questions? Contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org

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

The Anacortes School District is hiring for a new Anacortes High School principal, effective with the 2022-23 school year. The principal is responsible for oversight and management of Anacortes High School, its 700 students, and 80 staff members. The high school is in a new state-of-the-art facility, and has a wide range of academics, athletics, and activities. Students are high achievers in diverse programs, such as performing arts, career & technical education, Advanced Placement courses, and more. Current high school principal Daniel Williams is resigning from the district, effective July 1, 2022. 

AHS currently has an on-time graduation rate of 90 percent and has consistently been ranked as one of the best high schools in the state by US News and World Report. 

Application materials can be found online: https://www.superintendentsearch.com/index.php. Applicants should apply by April 29th for first consideration. The district is engaged in a comprehensive search process, including interviews with students, staff, and parents. 

A survey link for families, staff, students, and community members to provide feedback is located here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AHSprincal2022.  

Questions? Contact Connie Sheridan, Human Resources Director, (360) 503-1221; csheridan@asd103.org 

The Washington State Department of Health recently released their updated COVID guidance and requirements for K-12 schools. 

Key updates are below. 

Changes Effective March 12

• Masks become optional in all school facilities & buses, except in health rooms. 

• Contact tracing is no longer required. 

• Physical distancing (3 and 6 feet) is no longer required. Districts are encouraged to maintain physical distancing as much as possible without interfering with the school’s instructional, social/ emotional/ behavioral, and operational needs. 

• Sports testing is no longer required. 

Phased-in Changes

• Building principals will assess desk arrangements, cafeteria set-up, recess cohorts, and other building changes. These changes will likely be implemented during the week of March 21.

• Field trips and expanded volunteer programs will likely be phased in after Spring Break. 

Other requirements remaining in place*

• All employees & volunteers in educational settings are required to be fully vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption.**

• Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home following current DOH and CDC isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status.

• Staff will continue to be notified when there is an exposure in their school/ department. 

• The district will continue to update the COVID dashboard every other week. 

• School-Based Testing remains in place for students and staff to access an on-site COVID test. More information can be found here: http://www.asd103.org/departments_and_programs/health_services___students_/test_to_stay_program

The district will continue to take a cautious approach in removing mitigation measures, following state and local guidance. 

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility throughout the pandemic. 

*A full list is available in the updated guidance: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/821-165-K12SchoolsChildCare.pdf

**A person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Kia duNann has been named as the next principal at Anacortes Middle School, effective July 1, 2022. duNann has served as assistant principal at AMS for the past year. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal with the Snohomish School District, associate principal, activity coordinator/leadership teacher and special education teacher in the Lake Washington and Federal Way school districts.

“I believe that Kia will do an excellent job leading our middle school,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “She has a tremendous amount of experience leading systems alignment and student improvement, and a proven commitment to serving all students.”  

duNann was chosen from a well-qualified pool of candidates. The interview process included several staff interviews, a performance exercise, and a public Q&A forum. Dr. Irish took the feedback from each step of the process into consideration before making a final decision. 

duNann received her undergraduate degree in special education from Gonzaga University, and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University. 

“I am honored and thrilled that I will be serving the AMS community as the principal next year,” said duNann. “I am grateful for this opportunity and I am really looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community members. I love living in the community that I serve and am excited for what is ahead for all of us.”

duNann will oversee approximately 55 certificated and classified staff, and a student body of approximately 560 students at AMS. The principal serves on the District’s Leadership Team and helps guide the district’s focus on developing rigorous learning opportunities for all students. duNann takes over from current AMS principal Patrick Harrington, who has accepted a leadership position with the Oak Harbor School District, after nearly 20 years of service at Anacortes Middle School. 

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