Portz named next Athletics and Activities Director
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
2023-24 Student Calendar
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
Enrollment for 2023-24 is open now!
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:
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Child’s birth certificate, passport, or other age verification document
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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
Tax statement missing 2022 information
Public school districts in Skagit County are reeling after a line item from the 2022 tax assessment was missed, making it appear as though there was a significant increase from year to year.
“We are getting a lot of calls about the 2023 tax statement,” said Brett Greenwood, Sedro-Woolley School District Executive Director of Business, Operations and Student Support.
According to a press release from the Skagit County Treasurer’s Office, the mistake was due to a software glitch.
“The comparison for residents’ tax distribution from 2022 to 2023 does not include a second line item for local school districts,” according to the release. “The line items for school districts were combined in 2023 giving the appearance of a larger increase than the actual increase.”
The missing line item has resulted in a large number of residents contacting their local districts with concerns.
“This makes it appear that our tax collection went through the roof,” Greenwood said. “In reality, our tax rates actually decreased year over year.”
School districts depend on local taxes to fill the gap between state and federal funding for facilities, programs, and services from voter-approved bonds and levies.
“The 2023 tax statements that were sent out from the County did not include the Enrichment and Operations levy tax amount in the 2022 column giving an incorrect total,” said Valori Vargas, Burlington-Edison School District’s Director of Finance and Operations. “The actual difference between the two years is much less than it appears on the statement.”
The county included a separate piece of paper explaining the missing line item, but it’s apparent from the phone calls and emails school districts are receiving that the correction hasn’t been viewed.
“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.
Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. Call the Skagit County Assessor’s Office at 360-416-1780 for more information.
|
School District |
2022 Local Property Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed value |
2023 Local Property Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed value |
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Burlington-Edison SD 100 |
$2.3382 |
$2.5183 |
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Sedro-Woolley SD 101 |
$3.3243 |
$2.8163 |
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Anacortes SD 103 |
$2.0762 |
$1.8472 |
|
Concrete SD 11 |
$1.5845 |
$1.4007 |
|
La Conner SD 311 |
$3.1018 |
$2.5774 |
|
Conway SD 317 |
$2.4591 |
$2.1781 |
|
Mount Vernon SD 320 |
$4.5998 |
$4.0723 |
|
Darrington SD 330 |
$1.5174 |
$1.7581 |
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2023 Tax Statement Skagit County PRESS RELEASE
Due to a software glitch, the comparison for residents’ tax distribution from 2022 to 2023 does not include a second line item for local school districts. The line items for school districts were combined in 2023 giving the appearance of a larger increase than the actual increase.
This also affects the appearance of total taxes paid for 2022. Please refer to your 2022 tax statement for this amount and the amount you actually paid in local school taxes. If you would like a copy of your 2022 tax statement, please call (360) 416-1750 and request a copy of your 2022 statement.
The 2023 Current Year Tax amount due is correct. First half tax payments are due on April 30. Payments can be made online or by check and either dropped in our drop box at the courthouse or mailed using the corresponding tax coupon that came with your statement.
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.
##
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
Rice Field expanded community hours
The district recently expanded public hours at Rice Field at AHS's Seahawk Stadium to allow the community more access to this tremendous facility. The new hours better align to our seasons and daylight hours. Lights will be on during Winter open hours.
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Groups with reservations have priority. Restrooms are not open during these times.
Rules
In order to protect this community asset, we ask that users obey all posted rules, including, no food or glass bottles, no pets, and no bikes, skateboards or scooters. Additional rules are posted at the facility. AHS is a closed campus during the school day.
Please ensure that the gate is closed and latched when exiting the field.
For information on renting Seahawk Stadium, or other questions, please visit our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/57-Facilities-Use-and-Rental.html
Questions? Contact Maintenance Supervisor Andy Wilken, awilken@asd103.org or (360) 503-1229
Titus announces resignation
Erik Titus, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Anacortes High School, has announced his resignation, effective with the end of the current school year. Titus has served with the district since 2015. He plans to pursue other professional opportunities.
“In my eight years with the district, I have seen our programs expand, our facilities improve, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to continue providing high caliber athletics and activities to our students,” said Titus.
Titus also said he strongly believes that access to extracurricular activities and athletics contributes greatly to our students’ well-being and overall enjoyment of school.
During Titus’s time with the district, the new Seahawk Stadium and Rice Field opened, Williams Gymnasium was renovated, and the district’s athletics program grappled with the coronavirus pandemic.
“I appreciate Erik’s commitment to our student athletes over the past eight years,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Titus will remain in his position until the end of this school year. Plans for his replacement have not yet been finalized.
Questions? Contact Dr. Becky Clifford, Assistant Superintendent (360) 503-1214 orrclifford@asd103.org
Curtis appointed to school board
Jack Curtis has been appointed to a temporary seat on the Anacortes School Board, filling the vacancy left by Marilyn Hanesworth. Curtis will be officially sworn in at the February 23rd meeting.
Curtis was selected from a pool of well-qualified candidates. He will have the option to run for the seat in the November, 2023 election.
“We appreciate each candidate's interest in the position, and their dedication to our schools,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We chose Jack for his expressed commitment to the district’s mission and strategic plan.”
Curtis cited his ability to work with diverse perspectives and focus on a common goal. He currently serves on a number of community-based committees, including the district’s Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Budget Advisory Council, Rotary, volunteer baseball coach, and more.
“I am committed to keeping our district focused on its number one goal: providing a high-quality education to all students,” said Curtis. “I look forward to serving our families, students, and school staff in this new role.”
Questions? Jennie Beltramini, Board President, jmbeltramini@asd103.org
Skyward Employee Access
AHS sports memorabilia remain on display
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
School Board recognition month
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