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:

• Mount Erie Elementary School

• Fidalgo Elementary School

• Island View Elementary School

• 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:
 

• 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.

• Helping Hands Food Bank – Free groceries and CHOW (Cutting Hunger on Weekends) meal bags for children.

• Salvation Army Food Bank – Weekly grocery distribution for local families.

• Boys & Girls Club of America – After-school snacks and meal support for youth.

• A Simple Gesture Anacortes – Grab-and-go food items available at various public locations around Anacortes.

• 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:

• Island View Elementary: 6 students short of the 30% threshold

• 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:

• AHS: 24.11%

• AMS: 25.62%

• Cap Sante High School: Already CEP-qualified!
   

How Families Can Help

1. Log into Skyward Family Access: Skyward Link

2. Select “Annual Student Information Update”

3. Complete the annual update and Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application if you qualify.

4. 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:

• My Ride K-12 – Apple App Store (iOS)

• My Ride K-12 – Google Play Store (Android)

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.

Help Us Reach 30%
Complete Your Annual Student Update and Free/Reduced Meal Application

The Anacortes School District is asking families to complete the Required Annual Student Information Update for the 2025–26 school year in Skyward Family Access. This year, completing the update also allows families to submit the Free and Reduced Meals Program application online, helping ensure all students at our elementary schools can receive free meals next year.

Currently, participation stands at:

• Mount Erie Elementary: 39.27%
• Fidalgo Elementary: 28.53%
• Island View Elementary: 27.86%
   

We are just a few students shy of the 30% threshold for Fidalgo and Island View Elementary as required by House Bill 1238, which allows schools to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students when at least 30% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If the threshold is not met, these schools will not qualify for whole-school free meals for the 2026–27 school year.

How Families Can Help:

1. Log in to Skyward Family Access

2. Click on “ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE”

3. Complete all required fields and fill out the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application
    

Families who have already completed the update and application, thank you! No further action is needed.

Please take action TODAY! Every form counts. Help us make sure Island View and Fidalgo qualify for whole-school free meals next year.

For more information, visit our website. 

Potential Impact of Federal Staff Reductions on Student Services

At Anacortes School District, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for every student.

We understand that shifts in federal policy, such as changes in staffing in the United States Department of Education, can create uncertainty and concern, especially among families of vulnerable student populations. In response to recent federal layoffs affecting staff who support students with disabilities, or those who are Native, migratory, or experiencing homelessness, student groups, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal issued the following statement:

OSPI News Release: State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on the United States Department
Department of Education’s Layoffs of Staff that Support Vulnerable Students and Families

This statement outlines potential impacts on services and oversight related to:

• Students with disabilities,

• Students experiencing homelessness,

• Migratory students, and

• Other vulnerable populations.
   

What This Means for Anacortes School District:

Regardless of developments at the federal level, our commitment to students will not change:

• We will continue to fully comply with all federal and state civil rights laws, ensuring that no student is discriminated against based on disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

• Supports, accommodations, and interventions for students who are eligible will remain in place.

• We will monitor any federal changes closely and advocate for the rights and services our students are entitled to.
   

Relevant Anacortes School District Policies:

• Policy 2161– Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

• Policy 2162– Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504

• Policy 3115– Students Experiencing Homelessness: Enrollment Rights and Services
   

Our families and staff can be assured that Anacortes School District will continue to prioritize equity, access, and the well-being of every student. If additional guidance becomes available at the state or federal level, we will communicate updates promptly.
 

Anacortes School District Student Services webpage

Anacortes School District No. 103 announced today that it will issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified individuals, partnerships, or firms to support the Board of Directors in conducting a comprehensive search for the district’s next superintendent.

The selected consultant will partner with the Board to design and implement a transparent, inclusive, and community-centered search process, culminating in the hiring of a superintendent with a contract anticipated to begin in the 2026–2027 school year.

“The superintendent selection process is one of the most important responsibilities of a school board,” said Jennie Beltramini, Board President of the Anacortes School District. “We are committed to conducting a search that reflects the values of our staff, students, families, and community and we look forward to partnering with a consultant who shares that commitment.”

Details of the RFP Process:

• RFP Release Date: September 30, 2025

• Proposal Deadline: 12:00 p.m. (PST) on October 16, 2025

• Budget: Contract not to exceed $40,000, inclusive of all travel and related costs

• Eligible Applicants: Individuals, partnerships, or firms with demonstrated experience in executive-level educational leadership recruitment

• Encouraged Participation: Small Businesses, Minority-Owned Businesses, and Women-Owned Businesses are strongly encouraged to submit proposals
   

The full RFP is posted on the District’s website. Proposals must be submitted electronically as instructed in the solicitation document. Bidders Notified of Interview Selections will take place on October 24, 2025. 

“Anacortes is a community that deeply values public education,” added Board resident Jennie Beltramini. “We are seeking a partner who can help us ensure meaningful engagement and attract strong, forward-thinking candidates.”

For questions related to the RFP, please contact Jennie Beltramini, President of the Anacortes School District Board of Directors, at jmbeltramini@asd103.org, and Nicole Tesch, Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board, at ntesch@asd103.org. 

Dear Anacortes School District Staff and Families,

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Yesterday, we addressed a safety incident, with details surfacing toward the end of the school day, shortly thereafter, and continuing into this morning.

District administration received a report that a student had made a verbal threat directed at the safety of students at Anacortes Middle School. In alignment with our safety protocols, the report was immediately escalated, and administrators promptly involved the Anacortes Police Department, which is actively conducting a thorough investigation.

The situation was promptly addressed, reinforcing the need for swift action and clear communication in maintaining a safe environment for our students and staff. The district does not tolerate threats of any kind. In accordance with district policy and state law, such behavior may result in disciplinary consequences as well as potential legal action.

We ask for your partnership in reinforcing with students the seriousness of making any statements related to school violence. Even remarks intended as jokes can cause significant disruption and distress, and carry serious consequences.

The safety of our schools is a collective responsibility. We rely on our students, families, and staff to promptly report any threats or concerns so that immediate action may be taken. Your continued collaboration and commitment are essential to ensuring that our schools remain safe, supportive environments where all students can thrive.

Thank you for your partnership in this important work.

Sincerely,
Dr. Carl Bruner, Interim Superintendent 
Dr. Nathan Plummer, Principal of Anacortes Middle School