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 

The Anacortes School Board recently adopted the district’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and targeted goals for the 2022-23 school year. The AOP and targeted goals are aligned to the district’s strategic plan. 

The goals in the AOP are based on the 4 pillars of the Strategic Plan: Quality Instruction & Curriculum, Partnerships, Social-Emotional Learning, and Stewardship. Equity is considered at the core of all decisions, to ensure that all Anacortes students rise to their fullest potential, embrace the future, and make a difference. 

“The AOP, the targeted goals, and theschool improvement plans (SIPs) all form a cohesive package of goals we have set to ensure student achievement, staff development, and care for our facilities,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We also appreciate the community involvement that has gone into developing our plans.” 

Included in this year’s goals are: 

• Staff collaboration and engagement in continuous improvement processes, including effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). (AOP 1.1b) 
• Equitable access for all students to rigorous course offerings, including multiple pathways for success. (AOP 1.3a) 
• Increasing the percentage of families, staff, and students who rate school communications as “effective” and communications specifically about the budget as “effective.”  (AOP 2.2a, 4.4a) 
• Student access to rigorous, relevant, and engaging social-emotional learning (3.1c) 

A complete list of goals can be found in the Annual Operating Plan. Each goal includes annual action items that departments are responsible for. Each individual school improvement plan is also connected to the AOP. The SIPs outline building-based goals for student achievement. 

“As a board, we are proud of the district’s work to provide greater alignment of our goals and the actions steps needed to get there,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We are committed to the success of all our students, and having clear, coherent, and measurable goals will help us ensure the district is doing everything we can to support our students and our staff.” 

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

The latest issue of the Anacortes Pride is out now! Check out this issue for stories about: 

• One school's return to Mountain School 
• Creating a positive climate at Anacortes Middle School 
• The district's proactive work for budget planning 
• Your shout outs and more! 

The Pride is the district's quarterly newsletter that is mailed to all Anacortes households. If you would like an extra copy, or have any questions or feedback, please contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org

The district is currently facing a severe bus driver shortage, which may result in possible route cancellations. The district’s transportation department is doing everything possible to avoid canceling routes, but we want families to be prepared in the event of a cancellation. 

If a route is canceled, the district will notify families as early as possible either the day before or early in the morning. If a route is canceled, families will need to arrange their own transportation for their student. 

Families will be notified 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.
• Email 
• Ride 360 App (for instructions on how to access Ride 360, please visit our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation) 
• District website, Facebook page, and Twitter 

The district is actively recruiting bus drivers. Please encourage anyone interested to apply: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/53-Human-Resources. Like many other districts and businesses we are struggling to keep certain positions filled. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. 

Questions? Karen Garrison, Transportation Supervisor, (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org 

Twenty members have been appointed to the district’s newly formed Budget Advisory Council (BAC), which will meet throughout the year to provide input on the district’s budget priorities, strategic goals, and overall financial health. 

The Anacortes School District is engaged in a proactive budget planning process to develop its 2023-24 budget and beyond. The district’s current $45 million budget utilizes nearly $2 million in district reserves, due to declining enrollment, increased costs across all departments, and loss of one-time federal COVID funding. The district is working proactively to identify cost savings to balance the district’s budget, and will also have some difficult decisions to make this year. The shortfall currently represents about 6 percent of the district’s budget. 

The BAC members represent staff, school board, students, parents, and community. Appointed members are: 

• Jack Curtis - Parent 
• Matt Cutter - School Board Director
• Kia duNann - Principal Representative  
• Octavia Eslick - Anacortes Education Association Representative 
• Diana Farnsworth - School Board Director 
• Jay Ferrario - Service Employees International Union Representative 
• Camille Flinders - Parent 
• Darene Follett - Parent
• Erin Glick - Anacortes Education Association Representative
• Brady Graham - Student 
• Elliott Johnson - Parent 
• Kelly Kreher - Anacortes Education Association Representative
• Dan Moroney - Parent 
• Danette Riordan - Anacortes Technology and Information Professionals Representative 
• Aimee Rudge - Anacortes Administrative Assistants Association Representative 
• Emily Schuh - Community 
• Matt Stine - Community 
• Rene Vance - Community 
• Carrie Worra - Parent 
• James Yandle - Staff 

“I am excited for the opportunity to engage with our community to help us balance the budget,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I appreciate these members in particular for dedicating their time to this important work. The decisions we make will impact all schools and programs, and I appreciate having a diverse range of perspectives.” 

The BAC meetings will also be open to the public to view the process. The BAC meetings will be held in the Anacortes High School library. 

The meeting schedule, and additional information is posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1063-Untitled.html

“As a parent, I know how crucial the district’s budget is to student success; as a tax-payer, I know how important it is for our district leadership to serve as wise stewards of their funds,” said Jack Curtis, BAC member. “I am eager to learn more and also provide input into the district’s spending decisions so that we are all focused on making the best decisions for our kids, in both the near and long term.” 

Budget Town Halls 

In addition to the Budget Advisory Council meetings, the district will host several town hall forums about the budget throughout the year. These are also open to the public. 

• 12/8/22 - 5:30 - 7 p.m. 
• 2/2/23 - 5:30 -7 p.m. 
• 4/27/23 - 5:30 - 7 p.m. 

These town halls will be held in the Anacortes High School Commons.

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