Heather Paddock has been hired as the district’s next Teaching & Learning Director, effective July 1, 2022. Paddock currently serves as a principal with Everett Public Schools. She has previously served as assistant principal, instructional coach, and middle school teacher. Paddock will take over the position from Angie Miller, who has chosen to return to a classroom teacher position for the next school year.
“Heather’s background will make her an excellent leader for our Teaching & Learning Department,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “With her experiences in the classroom, instructional coaching, and serving as principal, she deeply understands the throughline between the classroom and the district office. She also has the strong ability to connect with others, building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.”
The Teaching & Learning Director is responsible for overseeing the district’s curriculum implementation and adoption, professional development programs for teachers, and ensuring student achievement across all grade levels.
“I am excited to get to know the Anacortes School District and community,” said Paddock. “My experience in a wide range of schools has provided me the perspective to understand the unique needs of students, staff, and families. I approach this role with a love of teaching and learning for both students and staff.”
Questions? Superintendent Justin Irish (360) 503-1211 or jirish@asd103.org
The Anacortes School District is proactively reviewing its budget projections for future years and making adjustments based on student and staff needs in light of future federal funding reductions and a drop in student enrollment. For the 2022-23 projected annual budget, the Anacortes School District would face a $2.4 million shortfall. However, because of its proactive and conservative budgeting process and strong community support for passing school levies, the district will not need major budgetary adjustments for the 2022-23 school year. The district’s projected budget for 2022-23 and is currently estimated at $45,104,207.
The district anticipates continued declining enrollment rates in future years, due to various factors including declining birth rates and housing availability. The district’s student enrollment has dropped by almost 250 students over the past two school years due to COVID. School districts across the country have seen similar declining enrollment rates due to the pandemic. The district received federal and state COVID relief funding for the 2020-21 and 2021-2022 school years to support enrollment reductions and the costs associated with its response to COVID. Those funds will be exhausted during this next budget cycle.
Next school year’s deficit will be made up through attrition, staff reassignment, continued use of COVID relief funds, while also using some of the district’s reserve fund.
“We are working creatively to make budget adjustments, with our primary focus on serving students in the classroom. We are not reducing staff at this time. Some staff are being reassigned to other positions, and we will consider not filling other positions as they become vacant,” said Irish.
The district has made the following reductions for the 2022-23 school year:
COVID relief funds will end in 2022-2023, so the district is making long-term plans to ensure continued effective fiscal management. The district will continue to invest in long-term, proactive budget planning and filter all decisions through the district’s strategic five-year plan and annual operating plan.
“We commit to being transparent and taking a strategic approach to our budgeting process for next year to ensure high academic, social, and emotional student success,” said Irish. “We look forward to engaging stakeholders in our strategic planning and budget processes next year and beyond.”
The school board will review the draft budget on August 11, 2022, and vote on the final budget on August 25, 2022.
Questions? Superintendent Justin Irish (360) 503-1211 or jirish@asd103.org
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
7/18/24 3:29 PM
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