Recent misinformation has been spread regarding the sports displays at the Anacortes High School Gymnasium. During the high school construction & renovation, which was completed in 2019, the physical display of trophies and photos was converted to a digital display board. A select number of trophies and banners remain on display in the high school gym. 

The digital display board allows for a greater number of photos to be displayed; it can also be continuously updated and is searchable from any mobile device or computer. If you believe that a photo is missing, please contact the AHS athletics department: https://www.asd103.org/AHS/Department/13-Athletics-Activities

The AHS sports display can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/AHSWofF

Questions? Erik Titus, Athletic Director: 360-503-1305 or etitus@asd103.org 

The district continues to work on rebalancing its budget and plan for necessary reductions to meet a budget shortfall for current and future budget years. The district recently revised its targeted reduction to at least $3.2 million in needed cuts to balance its budget and maintain a four percent fund balance. The updated targeted reduction takes into account potential decisions that will be made during the current legislative session. 

“We are continuing to work collaboratively with our staff and community to identify areas to reduce,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Our priority is our students’ classroom experience, and we are doing everything we can to limit impacts directly to the classroom.” 

The district recently reduced $900,000 from its 2022-23 to help meet this year's shortfall, of which $586,000 will carry over as cost savings for the next school year and beyond. Various factors are causing the shortfall, including declining enrollment, increased materials, supplies, and personnel costs. 

Opportunities for Input 

There are several opportunities for the community to provide input and learn more about the district’s budget. 

• Budget Town Halls - 2/2/23, 4/27/23 - 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Anacortes High Commons. The Budget Town Halls are open to anyone and will include a presentation as well as audience Q&A. 
• Budget Advisory Council- the council meets regularly to review the budget and provide input. Meetings are open to the public to observe. 
• District staff meetings 
• Additional materials about the budget can be found on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance

More information is available on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1177-Untitled.html

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

Join us in celebrating School Board Recognition Month throughout January! 

January provides an opportunity to celebrate and thank these hard-working individuals for all that they do on behalf of our students, staff, and schools. 

The board will be officially recognized at the January 19th evening board meeting. The board will also specially recognize Marilyn Hanesworth who is resigning from the board after seven years of service. We invite you to attend the meeting to express your appreciation, or submit notes of appreciation to the board: information@asd103.org. 

Current board members are: Jennie Beltramini, Matt Cutter, Diana Farnsworth, Marilyn Hanesworth, and Meredith McIlmoyle. Student board representatives are: Annaly Ellis, Brady Graham, Reagan Lee, and Wesley Hunter. 

More information about the School Board can be found on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/48-School-Board

Questions? Contact Nicole Tesch, (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org

The school board is currently accepting applications to fill the vacancy on the board that will be left by Marilyn Hanesworth, who is stepping down early, effective January 19.

Vacancy Appointment 

The school board will appoint someone to fill the remainder of Hanesworth’s term, which expires in November, 2023. The appointee will have the option of running for the seat in the November, 2023 election. The board is currently accepting applications for the vacancy, through January 13 at 5 p.m. 

Application Process & Timeline: 

• Applications are being accepted through January 13, 5 p.m. 
• Information Night - Open to anyone interested in applying or running for the position: January 5, 2023, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Anacortes High School Library 
• Candidate interviews, open to the public: January 25, 2023, 5:15-8:30 p.m. 
• Swearing In Ceremony for new appointee: February 23, 2023, 6:15 p.m. 
• This information is also posted on the board’s website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/48-School-Board

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

Anacortes School Board Director Marilyn Hanesworth has announced her resignation from the Board of Directors, effective January 19, 2023. Hanesworth, a software developer, is leaving her post early to focus more time on her work and her family. 

“My time on the board has been incredibly rewarding, and I feel privileged to serve this community of students, staff, and educators,” said Hanesworth. “My work schedule has become more demanding, and I simply cannot devote the amount of time I feel a board director should, so I have decided to step down early.” 

Hanesworth has served on the board since she was elected in November 2015. During her term, the board has received the statewide board of distinction nine times. She has served as board vice president, legislative representative, and on the district’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Hanesworth is particularly proud of the board’s work to oversee the high school construction project, updates to the math curriculum, hiring Superintendent Irish, and guiding the district through the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hanesworth will be recognized at the January 19, 2023 school board meeting. The public is invited to attend and recognize her. 

“I will miss Marilyn’s thoughtful approach to board policy and leadership,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “She makes decisions with the student experience at the core of all our work.” 

Superintendent Justin Irish echoed many of Hanesworth’s qualities. 

“Marilyn has been a steady leader for the district,” said Irish. “She has brought a historical context to our work that has been invaluable to me and our newer leaders.” 

Vacancy Appointment 

The school board will appoint someone to fill the remainder of Hanesworth’s term, which expires in November, 2023. The appointee will have the option of running for the seat in the November, 2023 election. The board is currently accepting applications for the vacancy, through January 13 at 5 p.m. 

Application Process & Timeline: 

• Applications are being accepted through January 13, 5 p.m. 
• Information Night - Open to anyone interested in applying or running for the position: January 5, 2023, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Anacortes High School Library 
• Candidate interviews, open to the public: January 25, 2023, 5:15-8:30 p.m. 
• Swearing In Ceremony for new appointee: February 23, 2023, 6:15 p.m. 

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

The district’s transportation supervisor and superintendent decide in the early morning hours whether students can safely reach school in case of snow or ice. We attempt to notify families by 5:30 a.m. if schools are closed, delayed or buses are on adverse weather routes. If we have to change from a 2-hour delay to a full-day closure, we will notify families and staff of this change by 7:30 a.m. We try to avoid this situation whenever possible but weather and road conditions can be difficult to predict. 

If we use adverse weather routes in the morning, we will notify everyone by noon that day if adverse weather routes remain in effect for the afternoon ride home. Please familiarize yourself with the adverse weather routes. Adverse weather routes can also be found in the Ride 360 App. 

Students, Staff And Families Are Notified In The Following Ways: 

• Flash Alert http://www.flashalert.net/: Families and staff are encouraged to sign up for Flash Alert for the most timely notifications. Local media outlets use this information.
• District website and Facebook page 
• Emails sent to families, staff and AHS and Cap Sante students.
• Text messages sent to families and staff who have opted in and are in the Skyward system. We do not typically call families in the event of adverse weather, to avoid phone calls in the early morning hours.
• Staff are alerted via phone voicemail. 

These procedures are also posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/102-School-Closures.html

Text Messages: Opt in Now!

Instructions are posted on our website. Confirm that your school has your accurate mobile phone number, if you want to receive text messages. Log into your Skyward Family Access Account. If your mobile number is not accurate, you can update your information through Skyward Family Access.  

1. Next steps - Once you have verified that your mobile number is correct in Skyward Family Access, you can “opt in” to receive the district’s notifications. 
2. Text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to opt in. Please opt in before Tuesday, November 15. 
3. Text Message Test Day- The district will send a test text message on Tuesday, November 15. If you received this, you have successfully opted in.

Questions? Contact the Transportation Department at (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org or the Superintendent’s Office at (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org

The district has shared it is currently in the process of rebalancing the budget and has been proactively planning reductions. 

After closing out the 2021-2022 financial statements in October, the district ended with a five percent fund balance. If the district does not adjust the 2022-2023 budget, it is projected to end the fiscal year with a two percent fund balance, due to unexpected expenditures. The district will prepare for some reductions earlier than planned to maintain the district policy of a four percent fund balance. 

Current Reductions 

The district will reduce $900,000 during the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to reducing portions of the general operations, materials, and supply budgets, the district will make the following staff reductions by January 1, 2023: 

• Eliminate one human resource office program assistant 
• Eliminate one district office administrative assistant   
• Eliminate three technology staff  
• Reduce contracted days for Technology Integration Coordinator

The Anacortes School Board approved a resolution on Thursday, November 10, 2022 to reduce its workforce, which is required by collective bargaining agreements.  

Next Steps

Over the next several months, the district will continue partnering with internal and external stakeholders, preparing for future reductions. Rebalancing the budget this school year and the next school year (cutting at least $2.6 million in staffing, materials, and operational costs) is necessary to maintain a stable four percent fund balance. The district will continue to meet with staff, collective bargaining groups, the Budget Advisory Council, and other community groups to identify budget priorities. 

“We will use our strategic plan to align budget priorities and build a budget based on what is required, essential, and discretionary for student learning,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Our staff will continue to work diligently to align revenues and expenditures, review data, and ensure that budgets are accurate and transparent.” 

Opportunities for Input 

There are several opportunities for the community to provide input and learn more about the district’s budget. 

• Budget Town Halls - 12/8/22, 2/2/23, 4/27/23 - 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Anacortes High Commons. The Budget Town Halls are open to anyone and will include a presentation as well as audience Q&A. 
• Budget Advisory Council - the council meets regularly to review the budget and provide input. Meetings are open to the public to observe. 
• Additional materials about the budget can be found on our 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 

The Anacortes School Board has been recognized by the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) with its “Board of Distinction” award, highlighting the board’s focus on student mental health, curriculum, and instruction.  

Current school board members are Jennie Beltramini, Diana Farnsworth, Matt Cutter, Marilyn Hanesworth, and Meredith McIlmoyle. Student board representatives are Brady Graham, Annaly Ellis, Wesley Hunter, and Reagan Lee.

This is the ninth time that Anacortes has been honored. Anacortes is one of only 12 districts statewide that have received the award five or more times. 

Thirty school boards statewide were named this year out of 295 districts. Anacortes and Mount Vernon were both recognized from Skagit County.

“This award represents real work that is happening in our schools and classrooms,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We are proud of our staff for their commitment and dedication to our students.” 

In the past year, the board has focused on social-emotional learning and improving mental health supports for students, as well as curriculum adoptions to support student achievement and expand opportunities for all students. 

“I’m proud of the board, and the district, for being recognized for its hard work and leadership,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. 

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

Please take a few minutes to ensure that your information is accurate in Skyward! 

Annual Updates 

The Student/Family Information Update is currently OPEN in Skyward. It is important that you view and update this information annually to ensure the Anacortes School District has the most accurate information possible regarding your student’s health, safety, and support. 

Skyward Family Access

If you have not yet completed your student’s annual records update, please login to your Skyward Family Access account and follow the prompts for IMPORTANT: Student/Family Update. If you have forgotten your Skyward login/password, please click the "Forgot your Login/Password?" link. Login instructions will then be sent to your email address on file.

Text Messaging 

We are relaunching our text message system. We use text messaging only in urgent/ timely situations. 

1. Please make sure that we have your correct mobile phone in Skyward. 
2. Once you have verified that your mobile number is correct, you can “opt in” to receive the district’s notifications. 
3. Text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to opt in or scan the QR code located on this flier. Please opt in before Tuesday, november 15. 
4. Text Message Test Day: The district will send a test text message on Tuesday, November 15. Please reply with Y or Yes to continue receiving text messages from ASD. 

Please make updates by Nov. 11, 2022. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school, or the District Office at (360) 503-1200 or information@asd103.org