I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred on bus route 2 after school today. A student made a threat to harm another student with a weapon, which prompted the bus driver to pull over on the side of the road and notify 911. Local authorities were dispatched immediately. Upon investigation, it was determined that the student’s threat was unfounded and the Anacortes Police Department has assured school officials that all students are safe.

At our school district, student safety and a secure learning environment are our top priorities. We take any threat to our students’ safety very seriously, and we will not tolerate any form of threatening behavior or language. Any individual who threatens others with weapons or words of any kind will face disciplinary action in accordance with school district policies and state law.

We urge you to take this opportunity to speak with your child about the importance of school safety. It is crucial for students to understand that any threat, even if intended as a joke, can have serious consequences. We need everyone’s help to ensure that our schools remain safe. If you or your child sees or hears something concerning, please talk directly to your school principal.

Dr. Justin Irish 

Twenty-four members have been appointed to the district’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC), which will meet throughout the year to provide input on the district’s budget priorities, strategic goals, and overall financial health. Nearly half of the members served on the council last year. 

“The Budget Advisory Council has helped guide our tough budget decisions, and ensured that we have broad community input,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “It’s nice to have so many returning members, in addition to our new appointees.” 

The Anacortes School District has been engaged in a proactive budget planning process since spring, 2022, to proactively address the district’s budget challenges. The district’s 2023-24 budget of $46 million reflects nearly $3 million in reductions that the district made over the last year and a half. The district is planning for additional reductions for the 2024-25 school year. While the specific target is not yet known, the district anticipates reducing at least another $1 million from its expenditures. 

The BAC members represent staff, school board, students, parents, and community. Appointed members are: 

• Alexis Gentry - Parent 
• Amy Wilt - Parent 
• Brandie Hendricks - Parent 
• Camille Flinders - Parent 
• Carrie Worra - Parent 
• Cindy Simonsen - Community Member
• Darene Follett - Parent 
• Diana Farnsworth - School Board 
• Elliott Johnson - Parent 
• Erin Glick - Staff 
• Helen Worthington - Parent 
• Jack Curtis - School Board 
• James Yandle - Staff 
• Jay Ferrario - Staff 
• Jeanine Dickison - Staff 
• John Satzinger - Community Member 
• Katelyn Jones - Staff 
• Kia duNann - Staff 
• Lida Ahsaei - Student 
• Mike VanQuickenborne - Parent 
• Miranda Blake - Staff 
• Nicholas Genovese - Parent 
• Pat Barrett - Community Member 
• Romany Kerr - Parent 
• Sarah Davies - Parent 
• Suzanne Butler - Parent 

The BAC meetings will also be open to the public to view the process. 

The meeting schedule, and additional information is posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1063-Untitled.html

The BAC meetings will be held in the Anacortes High School library. 

Questions? Contact Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org 

We invite the community to visit Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School this Veterans Day and show appreciation to all the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country.  

The plaza will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11. No events are planned; rather we invite the community in for reflection and tribute. The plaza is comprised of a memorial designed by local architect Brooks Middleton, with input from the Veterans Memorial Committee, as well as a display honoring two Medal of Honor recipients with local connections. Restrooms will not be open during this time. The Anacortes School District is closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. 

Questions, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (360) 503-1211 or information@asd103.org 

Nicole Tesch has been hired as the Anacortes School District’s Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board/ Communications Coordinator. Tesch brings an extensive background in both corporate and government relations, having served with Island County, the City of Oak Harbor, the City of Anacortes, and most recently, as Executive Assistant with Amazon Web Services. Tesch is also a member of the Oak Harbor School Board. Tesch replaces Torhil Ramsay who is leaving the district for another organization after nearly eight years in the Superintendent’s office. 

“This is an integral role for our district, responsible for all district-wide communications, outreach, risk management, public records, in addition to coordination and organization of the Superintendent’s office and School Board. I am confident in Nicole’s abilities to manage the many facets of this job.” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I would like to express my gratitude to Torhil Ramsay for dedicating eight years of service to our students, staff, and community. Her exceptional support has made a significant impact, and we extend our best wishes to her as she embarks on her next career endeavor.”

Tesch also noted that she is excited to bring her background and experience to the district. 

“I believe my background in public service, grant and project management, board administration, communications, and work on legislative matters will serve me well for this role,” said Tesch. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the school district and serving the families, staff, and students of Anacortes.” 

Tesch will begin with the district on November 1, 2023. 

The latest issue of the Anacortes Pride - the district's newsletter - is out now! Be sure to check it out for the new alma mater mural at AHS, mental health support for students, athlete profiles, your shout outs, and more! 

For questions, comments, or to request additional copies, please contact the Superintendent's Office: 360-503-1211 or information@asd103.org 

Attendance matters!

We want to partner with you to ensure your students have a new school year full of opportunities to learn and engage. Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever. It helps to:  

• reduce stress
• make it easier to connect with friends and teachers
• support learning 

Each school has an attendance office to support you and your student(s) with attendance. We have launched a new feature on Family Access, Absence Notification, as another pathway for parents to report student absences. The process for excusing your student(s) absences:

• Absences must be excused within 48 hours of the student's return to school.
• Parents and guardians may excuse absences by:
  • Submitting Absence Notification through Family Access NEW!
  • Emailing or Calling in the absence 
  • Sending a note regarding the absence

If the student has classes at Anacortes High School and Middle School, you must contact BOTH schools to excuse absences.

If your child arrives late to school

• Students arriving late must sign in at the main/attendance office. If a parent or guardian cannot come in and sign for the student, they must call the attendance office or send a note excusing the tardiness. 

If your child needs to leave school early

• If a student needs to leave school early, the student must bring a note from the parent/guardian requesting the absence. The student should bring the note to the Attendance Office before school, and they will receive an "Early Dismissal Pass" allowing them to sign themselves out of school. 
• If an emergency requires the student to leave school, the parent or guardian must notify the school.

Questions?

Finally, please ensure we have your correct email and the best phone numbers to reach you. You can complete the 2023-24 Student/Family Form Update.

2023-24 Student/Family Form Update

The Student/Family Form is currently accessible and will remain so until October 1, 2023. This annual update holds significant importance as it ensures that the district possesses the most up-to-date information, including your phone number, address, emergency contacts, technology usage agreement, military status, tribal affiliation, and housing questionnaire. Additionally, it is essential to go through and verify your acknowledgment of the attendance policy.

Completing this form is of utmost importance, and you can locate it on Skyward Family Access. We kindly request that you complete it at your earliest convenience, but no later than October 1, 2023. Should you require assistance or have any questions while filling out the form, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at your student's school.

The Anacortes School Board recently adopted its 2023-24 budget. The $46 million budget reflects nearly $3 million in reductions that the district proactively planned for throughout the last year and a half. The adopted budget also leaves the district with a three percent (3%) ending fund balance (reserves), while the board’s target for its reserve account is four percent (4%). The board has directed the district to build back its reserve account to four percent over the next two years. 

“Our budget is balanced, but not without some difficult decisions made by the board and administration,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We are confident, however, in the district’s plan to continue reviewing expenditures and revenue, and in building back our reserves.” 

The district’s budget reflects a significant investment in staff, with salaries equaling 87 percent of the budget. 

“Our goal all along has been to minimize the direct impacts on the classroom as much as possible,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Our staff are committed to providing the best education to our students. I’m proud of our workforce, our union groups, and our community for working collaboratively to tackle this challenge.” 

The district will continue to engage the Budget Advisory Council, and the community, as it prepares its 2024-25 budget, which will include at least $1 million in reductions. 

More information about the district’s budget can be found on its website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance#

Questions? Contact Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance & Operations: (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org 

If your child was registered for district transportation last year, our Transportation office has rolled up all students, including incoming middle and high school students. If your child rode a bus last year, you do not need to submit a new transportation request. Please confirm that your child's route is accurate through the Ride 360 app, found on our Transportation website. 

New requests/ changes/ cancellations?

Please access the Transportation request form through Skyward Family Access. If your address has changed, please submit a new request. 

Questions? Contact the Transportation Office: (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org 

Awaiting building placement? 

For those students not currently assigned to an elementary school, placement emails will go out on or before this Friday, August 18. 

For any other questions, please contact the District Office: (360) 503-1200 or information@asd103.org 

The Anacortes School District recently launched a sponsorship and advertising program, following policy adoption by the school board to allow advertising on some district properties. 

The district will allow commercial advertising at Seahawk Stadium/ Rice Field, the main AHS Gym, tennis courts, and Brodniak Hall. Sponsorship packages are available for sale through the high school’s Athletics & Activities Department. All advertising must be approved by the Athletics & Activities Department, following approved board policy and procedure. 

For the past two years, the district has been engaged in a robust, transparent process to meet a $3.2 million budget shortfall. The sponsorship program was a recommendation of the district’s Budget Advisory Council, and other community members. 

Sponsorship is 100 percent tax deductible, and offers high visibility to sponsors. 

If you would like to purchase an ad, contact Justin Portz, Athletics & Activities Director: (360) 503-1305, jportz@asd103.org