Anacortes School District Levy Renewals Passing with Strong Community Support
As of February 13, 2026, the Anacortes School District’s 2027–2030 Replacement Levy measures are passing with strong voter support. Final results will be certified by Skagit County Elections in the coming weeks.
The measures on the ballot included Proposition 1: Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Proposition 2: Replacement Capital Technology & School Safety Levy. Both measures are replacements of existing levies, not new taxes, and are to maintain the quality, safety, and functionality of our schools and programs not fully funded by the state.
With voter approval, the levy renewals will allow the district to continue supporting critical educational services and investments, including:
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Student health, safety, and wellness supports, such as school nurses, counseling and mental health services, and school safety enhancements
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Educational programs, including expanded course offerings, academic support paraeducators, academic counselors, and maintaining manageable class sizes
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Student enrichment opportunities, such as athletics, intramurals, and visual and performing arts
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Safety and security upgrades, facility and infrastructure improvements, classroom technology, communication infrastructure, playgrounds, and energy systems.
District leaders expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement throughout the levy process and for the voters who participated in the election.
“These results speak clearly to the Anacortes community’s deep commitment to public education,” said Nicole Tesch, District Spokesperson and Communications. “Voters have affirmed their support for the programs, people, and services that make a difference for students every day. These replacement levies allow the district to move forward with financial stability and focus on academics and student experience as we continue serving our schools and community.”
Additional information about the 2027–2030 Renewal Levies is available on the district’s website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/Portal/2027-30-Renewal-Levies
Dear Families and Students,
We want to make you aware of a phishing email that is currently being sent to Anacortes School District families and students.
The message appears to come from an ASD email address and includes a list of items for sale or donation, asking recipients to respond using a personal email address.
This message is not legitimate. Please do not respond to this email, click on any links, or provide any personal or financial information.
Our technology team is actively working to resolve the issue and secure accounts as needed. We appreciate your vigilance and patience as we address this matter.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe.
Anacortes School District
Short Excerpt from the email:
“Mrs. Tracie, who is relocating soon, is donating her late husband’s household items to students and staff… We are seeking serious buyers only…”
The message includes a long list of vehicles and household items for sale and asks recipients to contact an individual using a personal Gmail address and to avoid using school email. Again, This message is not legitimate. Please do not respond to this email, click on any links, or provide any personal or financial information.
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HYA is conducting a community forum to provide the Anacortes School Board with valuable insight from stakeholders regarding district strengths, challenges that need to be addressed, and the leadership attributes desired in the next Superintendent. Feedback from the forum, survey responses, and district data will inform the Leadership Profile used for recruitment and Board selection.
To engage as many stakeholders as possible, the Anacortes School District invites families and community members to participate in the Superintendent Search Community & Families Forum:
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221
This session is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and allow participants to build on shared perspectives. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your participation in this important process.
Virtual Participation Option
If you are unable to attend in person, you may watch the live stream or recorded session by subscribing to the Anacortes School District YouTube channel.
Online Survey
The online Superintendent Search Survey opens tomorrow and will remain available until January 16 at 4:00 p.m. All families, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to participate.
If you have questions, please contact HYA at: https://hyasearch.com/contact/
We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your engagement in shaping the future leadership of the Anacortes School District!
Anacortes School Board Recognized as 2025 Board of Distinction
The Anacortes School Board has once again been recognized as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) in the medium district category. This distinction honors school boards across Washington that demonstrate exceptional governance, strategic leadership, and a clear commitment to student success and well-being.
In their recognition, WSSDA commended the Anacortes School Board for its strong focus on student wellness, success, and voice throughout district initiatives. Reviewers noted the board’s intentional connection between site visits and board development, highlighting how these efforts foster proactive planning and strategic learning tied directly to student outcomes.
Anacortes is among a select group of school boards across the state to earn this prestigious title, marking the district’s twelfth Board of Distinction award. Anacortes remains one of only a dozen districts in Washington to have received this honor five or more times, underscoring its sustained excellence in educational leadership.
Recognition of the 2025 Boards of Distinction took place during WSSDA’s Annual Conference at the President’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle.
The current members of the Anacortes School Board are President Jennie Beltramini, Vice President Diana Farnsworth, Director Jack Curtis, Director Meredith McIlmoyle, and Director Heather Brennan. Student Board Representatives include Senior Zephrin Ehrheart, Senior Kaycie Knight, Junior Madeline Wray, and Junior Allison Clairidge.
For additional information, visit: WSSDA 2025 Board of Distinction
Tragic Loss in the Anacortes High School Community
It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the tragic loss of Edmundo Corrales. With the permission of the Corrales family, we can share that Mr. Corrales, a Spanish teacher at Anacortes High School, passed away this morning.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Corrales’s family, friends, students, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
Señor Corrales was a dedicated educator whose warmth, humor, and passion for teaching touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His commitment to helping students grow academically and personally made him an irreplaceable part of our school community.
We are committed to supporting Mr. Corrales’s students and the well-being of all members of our school community who may be impacted by this loss. Grief counselors will be available to students and staff at Anacortes High School, and we encourage anyone in need of support to access these resources. Losing a member of our school community is deeply painful, and if you notice anyone, student or adult, showing signs of grief, please reach out and help connect them with available support services.
We know this loss will be felt deeply across our school and community. Please keep the Corrales family and all those who loved him in your thoughts during this time of grief.
Anacortes School District Seeks Volunteers for Levy Statement Committees
The Anacortes School District is seeking community volunteers to serve on committees to write the “for” and “against” statements for the local voters’ pamphlet regarding the District’s upcoming educational programs and operations levy on the February 2026 ballot.
In accordance with state law (RCW 29A.32.280), the District must appoint up to three individuals to each committee. The committees are responsible for preparing concise arguments advocating either approval or rejection of the proposed levy measure for publication in the official local voters’ pamphlet with Skagit County. Statements may be up to 250 words and no more than five paragraphs. Pro/con statements are due on December 17, 2025, and rebuttals (75 words) are due on December 19, 2025.
Community members interested in participating are encouraged to submit their name, address, phone number, and email to Carl Bruner, Interim Superintendent, at cbruner@asd103.org no later than December 5th, 2025.
For/Against Committee Appointment Form
If more than three volunteers apply for a position on either committee, appointments will be made by the Anacortes School District in accordance with guidance from the Skagit County Auditor’s Office.
For more information about the levy measures, visit our website.
Voter's Pamphlet Guidelines for Ballot Measures Skagit County- 2026 Edition
Safety Notice: Brief Lockdown at AMS
An incident occurred inside Anacortes Middle School in which a staff member was assaulted by a student. The student was taken into custody by the Anacortes Police Department without incident. Out of an abundance of caution, the school briefly went into lockdown, shelter in place in response to this situation.
A separate, unrelated student situation occurred outside and was safely managed; there was no threat to students or staff. The school has since returned to normal operations, and there is no ongoing safety concern.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. Every school in the district has established safety plans and lockdown procedures to maintain a safe learning environment.
The school has since returned to normal operations, and there is no ongoing safety concern.
Anacortes School District Maintains Continued Meal Access Amid Federal SNAP Suspension
The Anacortes School District understands that many families are concerned about recent federal notices regarding the possible suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
We want to reassure our community that free school meals will continue to be available for all eligible students in the Anacortes School District. According to OSPI, USDA meal reimbursement funding has been extended through December 31, and no disruptions to school meal programs are anticipated through the end of the calendar year. Meal programs funded through the USDA remain fully in place, and USDA food distribution continues as usual.
“We know that times of uncertainty can cause real concern for families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner. “We want to make it clear that no child in Anacortes will go hungry. Our meal programs and local partners remain committed to ensuring every student has access to nutritious food, no matter what happens at the federal level.”
Families seeking confidential assistance with food access are encouraged to contact their school counselor or principal.
Free School Meals for the 2025–26 School Year
The Anacortes School District has several schools that will offer free breakfast and lunch for all students during the 2025–26 school year through the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program:
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Mount Erie Elementary School
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Fidalgo Elementary School
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Island View Elementary School
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Cap Sante High School (Community Eligibility Provision school)
If your child qualifies for Free and Reduced Meals at another ASD school, those benefits will also continue without interruption.
Families are encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application each year to ensure continued program eligibility. This form can be completed online in Skyward Family Access or by paper application available at your child’s school.
Community Food Support
For families who may experience food insecurity if SNAP benefits are temporarily paused, several local programs and community partners offer free groceries, meals, and weekend food support:
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Anacortes Food to Go (FTG) – Home-delivered meal bags for Anacortes students, including summer months. To enroll or update your address, email ftganacortes@gmail.com.
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Helping Hands Food Bank – Free groceries and CHOW (Cutting Hunger on Weekends) meal bags for children.
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Salvation Army Food Bank – Weekly grocery distribution for local families.
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Boys & Girls Club of America – After-school snacks and meal support for youth.
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A Simple Gesture Anacortes – Grab-and-go food items available at various public locations around Anacortes.
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Fidalgo Island and Guemes Gleaners - providing fresh produce, pantry staples, and weekend meal support to families in need across Fidalgo and Guemes Islands.
For more resources go to our Food Resources and SUN Bucks Benefits website.
We’re So Close – Help Us Reach the Goal!
The Anacortes School District is asking for community support to help our schools qualify for free meals for all students for the 2026–27 school year. Under House Bill 1238, elementary schools automatically qualify to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students if 30% or more of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Currently, we’re very close to reaching that goal:
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Island View Elementary: 6 students short of the 30% threshold
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Fidalgo Elementary: just 2 students away from qualifying
Every completed application makes a difference in helping our schools reach this important milestone.
What About Middle and High Schools?
While House Bill 1238 applies only to elementary schools, Anacortes Middle School (AMS) and Anacortes High School (AHS) can still qualify for universal free meals through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) if 40% or more of students are directly certified (through programs such as SNAP, TANF, or foster care).
Current eligibility rates:
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AHS: 24.11%
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AMS: 25.62%
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Cap Sante High School: Already CEP-qualified!
How Families Can Help
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Log into Skyward Family Access: Skyward Link
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Select “Annual Student Information Update”
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Complete the annual update and Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application if you qualify.
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Complete your annual update by October 30
Families who have already completed the application—thank you! Please help us spread the word so we can reach more families and ensure every student in Anacortes has access to healthy, nutritious meals at school.
For more information, visit our website!
Bus Route 9 – Updated Stop Times
The Anacortes School District Transportation Department has made adjustments to Bus Route 9 stop times to improve on-time arrivals and overall route efficiency.
Families of students who ride Bus Route 9 are encouraged to review their updated stop times to ensure they have the most current information.
“We appreciate our families’ patience and understanding as we continue to make improvements throughout the school year to better serve our students and community,” said Beckie Sitton, Transportation Department Supervisor.
To stay informed about current bus routes and any future adjustments, parents and guardians are encouraged to use the My Ride K-12 app, which provides route details, stop times, and notifications about changes.
Download My Ride K-12:
Please note that some areas within the district have limited cell service, which can cause slight delays in real-time updates through the app. The district is currently working with the app provider to improve signal reliability and enhance the user experience.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Anacortes School District Transportation Department at (360) 503-1155.