Kristen Koehler has been named as the Anacortes School District’s next Director of Inclusive Services, effective July 1, 2023. Koehler has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Student Support at Shanghai Community International School and Copenhagen International School and Director of Special Services with Everett Public Schools. Koehler has also served as a special education teacher and school psychologist.  Koehler also holds Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education from the University of Washington, and a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Seattle University. 

Koehler takes over the position from Shannon Gilbert, who has been serving as Inclusive Services Director since 2020. Gilbert will return to a classroom teaching position next school year. This is not a new position; the position oversees many areas, including special education, 504 plans, and counseling. The position was downsized from executive director in the 2020 central office reorganization.

Koehler was selected after a competitive search that included input and participation from staff and families. 

“I am excited to welcome Kristen to our team,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Throughout the interview process, she exhibited the technical expertise and experience to manage this complex role. She has a proven track record of team-building, establishing clear systems and expectations, and improving student outcomes.” 

Koehler noted how excited she is to join the Anacortes team, as well. 

“I am delighted to join the Anacortes School District as Director of Inclusive Services. I have a life-long passion for creating high-quality learning experiences for all students,” said Koehler. “Most importantly, I value the collaborative efforts that create a community of belonging where each student feels valued and supported. During the interview process I was fortunate to speak with staff, parents and community members and I heard this same commitment. I look forward to joining the Anacortes community and helping to shape the future of support programs in the district.”

Questions? Dr. Becky Clifford, Assistant Superintendent, (360) 503-1214 or rclifford@asd103.org 

The Anacortes School District has announced additional budget reductions and notified impacted staff, after carefully weighing all options, reviewing legislative impacts, and working with our bargaining units. 

Since last spring, the district has worked proactively and transparently to respond to a $3.2 million budget deficit. In particular, we want to thank our Budget Advisory Council and express our gratitude for the active participation of each and every member of the council. This council, consisting of staff, union representatives, parents, students, board directors, and community members, has played an invaluable role in our decision-making process. By coming together and sharing their insights, concerns, and ideas, they have helped shape the priorities and direction of our district. 

Additionally, we hosted various town hall events and informal “Java with Justin” get-togethers. We also discussed updates with all staff during staff meetings. The active involvement and feedback from across the district and community were instrumental in shaping our financial decisions.

At this time, we have met with impacted staff regarding a reduction in force.

For certificated staff, we needed to make RIF decisions by May 15. For classified employees, we are not required by State law to meet this timeline: however, we wanted to inform employees as close to that date as possible, which we have done.

We are still negotiating with classified bargaining teams. Therefore, there is a possibility of further reduction in hours, days, or positions.  

Legislative Session and Impact on Anacortes School District:

• Implicit Price Deflator (IPD): As anticipated, the State will fund a 3.7 percent increase in IPD. As a reminder, the increase in State revenue does not fully fund the total cost of our employees based on their experience and bargained contracts. 
• Experience Factor: We will receive an additional 4 percent experience factor for certificated staff. This is good news, as the additional revenue will make up the previous unfunded difference for some certificated employees. 
• Retirement Rates: On a positive note, the retirement rates for employers will be reduced by 5.01 percent, thanks to the adoption of the Senate plan by the House. This will result in some savings for certificated employees not funded by the state and a portion of certificated employees not funded by the state.  
• Special Education Rates: Other good news - we are receiving some additional revenue due to factors that have been increased in the State allocation.   
• Materials Supplies and Operations Costs (MSOCS) Allocation: MSOCS allocation has increased by approximately 3.10%. However, it is anticipated that the increased costs associated with MSOCS will offset this increase, requiring us to carefully evaluate our budgetary allocations.  

Current Overall Reductions:  

A full list of reductions made to date can be found on our website. 

K-8 Library Adjustments: 

We have reduced an additional four classified paraeducator positions, effective with the end of the current school year. These four paraeducator positions currently staff our elementary and middle school libraries. 

The libraries will remain open and accessible to students but with limited personnel. The district’s one certificated librarian position at AHS remains intact. 

Students will still be able to access books in their classrooms, in the libraries, and through our partnership with the Anacortes Public Library. 

The district will also form an internal committee to determine how best to manage the libraries and keep the resources accessible to students, including possibly implementing a self-checkout system for books.

"These latest reductions are a painful reality that we face to make up for our budget deficit," said Superintendent Irish. "I want to thank these staff members for their hard work and commitment to our students. I can also assure our community that students will continue to have access to books and robust learning tools."

The district’s team, including principals, weighed many options before making this difficult decision. State funding does not fully fund librarians at all schools; the Anacortes School District has historically allocated these funds to elementary science specialists. 

The district has also worked closely with the paraeducator bargaining unit. Most impacted employees will have the option to move into another position, either through attrition or seniority rights. 

Next Steps:

As we progress, we remain committed to collaboration and problem-solving. 

• We will continue diligently studying the legislative updates and their direct impact on the Anacortes School District. 
• Additionally, we are actively negotiating with bargaining teams, recognizing that these negotiations may influence our overall budget. 
• We must also continue working with AHS coaches to reduce high school athletic expenses for the next school year. 
• All future vacant positions will be reviewed. 

We will navigate these challenges with transparency, integrity, and the utmost consideration for the well-being of our students and staff. We also acknowledge the difficult reality of losing valued members of our team due to budget reductions as well as recognizing that some employees have had a reduction in calendar days or hours for the next school year. It is with a heavy heart that we make these difficult decisions. Rest assured, we will do everything possible to support and assist those affected by these changes.

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

The 2023 recipient of the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award is AMS/AHS band director Christopher Dyel. Parent Shannon Westerman nominated Dyel “because he is a rare type of teacher who has both an expertise and talent in his area of teaching (music/band), as well as the ability to teach, inspire and lead.” 

Fidalgo music teacher and former Brodniak Award recipient Tina Martin said the value of music education cannot be understated, and thanks to dedicated professionals like Dyel, the district continues to excel and create. 

“Chris gives our students unique opportunities to express themselves creatively and builds their confidence in a ripple effect across our community,” Martin said. “Often he goes from one event/performance to another with no down time. Teaching students and the community on the importance of music never stops.”

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.

Dyel, who is completing his 6th year in the district, said he’s both flattered and deeply grateful to have been selected for the Brodniak Award. 

“It shows how much the Anacortes community appreciates the arts as a whole, and specifically in my case, the incomparable quality of life that instrumental music education brings to kids,” Dyel said.

Dyel will be recognized at the school board meeting on May 18th at 6:15 p.m. in the AHS library.

Questions? Contact the Superintendent’s Office (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org

The latest issue of the Anacortes Pride, our quarterly newsletter, is out now! This issue includes stories about: 

• the social services team at AMS 
• Spring sports
• English Language Arts curriculum at Elementaries, 
• your Shout Outs & more!

For questions, comments, corrections, or additional copies, please contact Nicole Tesch in the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org 

Justin Portz has been selected as the next Athletics and Activities Director with the Anacortes School District, effective with the 2023-24 school year. Portz was chosen from a well-qualified pool of applicants after a rigorous screening and interview process that included staff, coaches,  students, SABA representatives, parents, and community members. Portz has served as head football coach and assistant baseball coach with Anacortes High School, and director of operations at Thrive Community Fitness. He has extensive leadership experience after serving more than 27 years in the U.S. Navy. 

“We chose Justin for his deep commitment to building a positive culture for all students,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “He understands how important athletics and activities are to a student’s well-being. His passion for sports, arts, and developing character in our students is evident in every interaction with him.” 

Portz was also selected for his ability to think strategically and systematically; he showed strong technical and adaptive leadership skills throughout the interview process.   

“I am so honored to be able to take on this role and have an even bigger impact in more students’ lives,” said Portz. “I love coaching, but I also love teaching students valuable life lessons through sport, performance, or art. I look forward to working with our talented team of coaches and advisors to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of all of our students.” 

Portz has a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Phoenix, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Teaching, and Coaching and Athletics Administration. 

Portz takes over this role from Erik Titus, who is resigning at the end of the current school year. The district revised the job description prior to replacement. Portz will oversee the athletics and co-curricular programs at Anacortes High School, but will not hold assistant principal duties. 

Questions? Contact Dr. Becky Clifford, Assistant Superintendent, rclifford@asd103.org or (360) 503-1212

The dates for the 2023-24 school year are set.

Back to School Dates:

• Aug. 19: Ready to Learn Fair – 9 a.m. – noon at AHS
• Aug. 24: AMS Hawk Startup
• Aug. 24-25: AHS Seahawk Startup
• Aug. 31: Elementary Meet & Greets – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept 6: First Day of School (1st-12th grades)
• Sept 11: First Kindergarten & Pre-K Day

The full calendar, is posted on our website. 

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

Through a partnership with Skagit Valley College, Anacortes High School is now offering the opportunity for students to be able to earn college credit for completing some of the classes already offered at the AHS. College in the High School (CHS) is one of three dual-credit options for students, along with Running Start and Advanced Placement (AP). Most of the other high schools in Skagit County participate in the program as well.

College in the High School came about as a response to students looking for more opportunities to earn college credit. Courses are taught at the high school so students have access to more teacher and counselor support. They can also more easily participate in athletics and club activities. Counselor Joyce Binshcus is excited for the new opportunity.

“Having students here on campus means we can follow them throughout the semester and help them if they’re struggling. When they’re at Running Start, they’re on a quarter system, so we don’t even see their grades or know if they’ve even passed until the end of the course when it’s often too late,” she said.

Principal Erin Duez says CHS is more equitable for students because they don’t have to worry about transportation to the Skagit Valley College campus, and any student who has the required prerequisites can enroll. It may end up being cheaper, too, since students don’t have to pay SVC fees.

Teachers who teach CHS must be recognized by SVC as a qualified instructor with the same academic qualifications as required by the college. In addition, AHS course syllabi must align with the course offering that is taught at Skagit Valley College.

There is a tuition fee for CHS classes, but students registered in any of the CHS classes can opt to earn up to 5 college credits or simply to take the class as a high school class. Unlike an AP class where students have to take and receive a minimum score on a test to earn the college credit, in CHS courses, students decide at the beginning of the course if they want to earn college credit. Then they pay the tuition and automatically earn the credit provided they pass the class. Tuition costs between $82 and $200 per course with reduced rates available for any student who qualifies for free or reduced meals. 

The following classes will now offer college credit for 2023-24:

• Spanish 3
• Spanish 4
• Honors Religions
• Senior Seminar
• AP Language and Composition
• Math in Society

Duez is especially excited about two new courses: Senior Seminar and Math in Society.

Senior Seminar is a yearlong course that targets students interested in a two or four year university experience. Students will learn about personal statements, entrance exams, completing the FAFSA and college applications and how to access financial and academic resources once admitted to a college.

“We are offering them time within the school day to complete all of the work they’re currently spending hours and hours each week doing at night or on the weekends,” Duez said.  

Math in Society is an applied math class that will cover things like personal finance, data literacy and statistics. Duez says it’s such a win for students to be able to earn college credit for this.

Duez received a $20,000 state grant for the school’s dual credit program. She will apply again this summer for more state funding.

Questions? Contact AHS Principal Erin Duez, (360) 503-1303 or eduez@asd103.org 

Enrollment is now open for the 2023-24 school year, including for all incoming kindergartners. Children entering kindergarten must be age 5 on or before August 31, 2023, in order to register. We urge families to enroll early to support our placement process, and help us ensure that siblings can be placed at the same school. Anacortes is a non-boundary district; students are placed following certain criteria and guidelines, per our placement policy. Priority is given to families who enroll prior to May 15. 

Information for incoming kindergartners can be found in our Kindergarten Enrollment Packet. 

Register your student online. Before you register, you’ll need: 

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, or other age verification document 

• Completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form (https://wa.myir.net) 

• If applicable, parenting plan/court order and/or proof of guardianship 
• Address verification document (utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease or rental agreement)

Important upcoming dates: 

• Tuesday, May 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m. - Kindergarten Welcome Night at AHS Commons (1600 20th Street) 

Don’t have access to a computer for registration? No problem! Contact the district office to schedule an appointment: (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

Placement Overview 

Per state law, students must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2023 to enter kindergarten. Students must be 6 years of age on or before August 31, 2023 to enter first grade. 

The district can help provide screening questions to determine your child’s best developmental placement. If you have questions about your child’s development, please contact our Teaching, Learning and Inclusive Services Department at (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

Assignment Timeline 

Families will receive their elementary assignment by email in mid-August. 

Questions? 

Contact Anne Berard, Elementary Registrar: (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

“We appreciate our community’s support of our local levies,” said Mike Sullivan, Anacortes School District’s Executive Director of Finance and Operations. “This is an unfortunate mistake by the County Treasurer’s office.”

Additional information about Anacortes's levies can be found on our website.

For more information, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/treasurer. You may also contact the Treasurer’s Office via email at treasurer@co.skagit.wa.us or call (360) 416-1750.

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Joint Release

Sedro-Woolley, Burlington-Edison and Anacortes school districts Contacts: School Finance Directors

Brett Greenwood: bgreenwood@swsd101.org
Mike Sullivan: masullivan@asd103.org
Valori Vargas: vvargas@be.wednet.edu

The Anacortes School District is taking on the issue of student vaping, particularly vaping THC, and doing what it can to stop its use. 

As published in the Anacortes American (https://www.goskagit.com/townnews/school/vaping-issues-plague-anacortes-high-school/article_447fe552-ae2f-11ed-b4e2-a37f5007dd01.html), the district is seeing a growing number of students who are vaping at school. 

“We are taking an educational approach, first, before discipline,” said AHS Principal Erin Duez. “We want to get students the help they need to deal with potential addiction, and then deal with this as a discipline issue if needed.” 

The district plans to install vape sensors at AHS and AMS. (The print version of the American article incorrectly stated that the vape sensors have already been installed.) A group of concerned parents and community members have been helping raise funds to purchase the sensors. 

“We know this is an issue for many of our students, who may not fully grasp the harmful effects of vaping and THC use. We are doing what we can to deter this behavior,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We are also incredibly appreciative of our generous donors who are helping support this effort.” 

If you or your student would like help accessing resources, please contact your school’s counseling office or principal.