Dear Families,

As we close out the school year, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for your partnership and support during my time as Interim Superintendent. It has been an honor to serve this community and to witness firsthand the dedication, care, and resilience that characterize our schools.

The year has been filled with meaningful learning, diligent effort from our staff, and growth from our students. This collective hard work is reflected in our district's recent recognition as one of the top 25 performing school districts in the state for academic achievement.   Your engagement, whether through communication with teachers, participation in school events, or encouragement at home, has played an important role in our students' success.

Looking ahead, I want to be clear about the financial challenges facing our district. Decisions regarding staff reductions for the upcoming school year were difficult but necessary to address declining enrollment and rising costs. While the district is on a path toward financial stability, thanks in large part to the passage of our replacement levies in February, progress will be incremental. Without future increases in state and federal funding, we estimate it will take several years to reach the school board's minimum fund balance goal. Please be assured that throughout these adjustments, the district's priority remains delivering a high-quality education and supporting our students.

As I prepare to transition out of this role and welcome our new superintendent, Dr. James Everett, I do so with confidence in the district's direction. Our leadership team is committed to ensuring a smooth handoff so that the progress we have built together continues without interruption.

With summer break ahead, I hope your family finds time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. Thank you again for your partnership and for the privilege of serving this community.

Warmly,

Dr. Carl Bruner

Lost & Found Alert! Our schools and Transportation Department are OVERFLOWING with a wide collection of jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more that are hoping to make their way back home!

If something has gone missing this year, please take a moment to swing by the Lost & Found rack at your student's school Transportation center to see if your items are waiting for you.

As we approach the end of the school year, unclaimed items will be donated, so be sure to stop by soon and reclaim anything that belongs to you!

Anacortes Homeschool Partnership – Informational Meeting 

The Anacortes School District invites homeschooling families to explore a developing partnership designed to support student learning while honoring the flexibility and leadership of families.

We are excited to share our early vision for the Anacortes Homeschool Partnership, which includes:
• Certificated teacher support and regular check-ins
• Help with learning plans and goal setting
• Curriculum guidance and grade-level expectations
• Access to district resources and opportunities
• Future enrichment activities and community events

This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share your input as we shape a responsive and supportive program together.

Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Join the meeting: meet.google.com/wcz-mjyu-bfm
Phone dial-in: +1 502-518-3540 (PIN: 356 957 528#)

We welcome all homeschooling families who are curious about what this partnership could offer!

For questions, contact Dr. Molly Mitchell-Mumma at mmitchell-mumma@asd103.org

Dear Anacortes School District Families,

I’m reaching out today with some difficult news.  Our district is facing unexpected financial challenges that will require additional staffing adjustments for the 2026–2027 school year. I want to share openly with you what we’ve learned and how we are moving forward together.

Toward the beginning of the month, we determined that reductions would be necessary due to lower enrollment and fewer kindergarten registrations than anticipated. Last week, we received new financial information that significantly increases the budget pressures we are already navigating.

In February, the Washington Schools Risk Management Pool (WSRMP) estimated an 18% increase in insurance rates for school districts. We built our preliminary budget around that projection. Last week, WSRMP notified us that their increase had risen from 18% to 45%. For our district, this means an increase of $428,538. This increase is driven by unprecedented litigation costs and high‑cost liability claims across Washington State, creating one of the most challenging legal environments public entities have faced in many years.

This creates an additional $257,123 deficit beyond our earlier projections.

Because of this budget shortfall, we need to make some additional staffing changes for next school year. Principals have notified those staff affected. 

These decisions are not a reflection of the dedication, talent, or heart of our educators and staff. They are the result of lower enrollment and higher operating costs - challenges school districts across the state are facing. Even in the face of these challenges, our commitment to your children remains steadfast.

Our district leadership team and the Anacortes Education Association (AEA) are working closely to minimize the impact on students and families. Our intent is to achieve a budget that is balanced and reflects careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars without affecting the quality of education we provide our children.

We will keep you informed of any additional developments.

With appreciation,
Carl Bruner, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent

Anacortes School District and Barrett Financial Announce 2026 Champions in Education Award 

The Anacortes School District, in partnership with Barrett Financial, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Champions in Education Award. This annual program recognizes outstanding staff who go above and beyond to support students, strengthen school communities, and make a meaningful impact across the district.

Now in its second year, the award provides two $5,000 grants—one for a certificated staff member and one for a classified or non-represented staff member. Recipients are selected based on their impact on students, commitment to equity and inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

This year’s recipients are Gail LeBoutillier and Theresa McCartney.

Gail LeBoutillier
Classified/Non-Represented Staff Employee of the Year
School Bus Driver, Transportation Department

Gail LeBoutillier is recognized for her exceptional care, communication, and commitment to student well-being. She creates a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment on her bus each day, building strong relationships with students and families and ensuring every child feels valued and included.

Her proactive communication, individualized supports, and focus on student needs help ensure a positive transportation experience that is an essential part of the school day.

Theresa McCartney
Certificated Staff Employee of the Year
Science Teacher, Anacortes Middle School

Theresa McCartney is recognized for her excellence in instruction, student engagement, and leadership. She creates inclusive, student-centered science learning experiences grounded in Universal Design for Learning and Ambitious Science Teaching, while consistently fostering kindness, patience, and high expectations.

Beyond the classroom, she contributes to school and district initiatives, mentors staff, supports curriculum development, and has secured grants to enhance hands-on science learning opportunities.

Recipients will be honored at the Anacortes School Board meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. in the Anacortes High School Library.

The district extends congratulations to both recipients and thanks them for their outstanding service to students and the community.
 

Fidalgo Elementary, part of the Anacortes School District, has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for outstanding student growth during the 2024–25 school year.

Fidalgo Elementary earned recognition in the Growth category, highlighting exceptional progress among Hispanic/Latino students. From the 2023–24 to the 2024–25 school year, this student group ranked in the top 10% of schools statewide in multiple areas, including English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rate, ELA student growth percentiles, and math student growth percentiles.

The Washington School Recognition Program, led by the Washington State Board of Education in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, honors schools demonstrating exceptional progress in key areas of student success. This year, only 16% of schools across Washington received recognition.

“Fidalgo Elementary’s recognition reflects a strong commitment to academic growth for all students,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner.  “We are proud of their deliberate, daily efforts that ensure every child, regardless of their starting point, has the tools to succeed.”

“Fidalgo Elementary’s recognition speaks to our teachers' dedication to student growth.” We aren't just celebrating high scores; we’re celebrating the deliberate, daily efforts that ensure every child—regardless of their starting point—has the tools to succeed.” 

Schools recognized for growth have at least one student group making some of the largest gains in the state across multiple measures, while also helping to narrow opportunity gaps. Fidalgo Elementary’s results demonstrate the impact of focused instruction, dedicated staff, and a supportive school community.  

The Anacortes School District celebrates the hard work of Fidalgo Elementary students, staff, and families in achieving this honor.

More information about the Washington School Recognition Program

Anacortes School District Announces New Principal for Fidalgo Elementary School

The Anacortes School District is pleased to announce the selection of Kristi McGeehan as the new principal of Fidalgo Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.

McGeehan brings a strong background in elementary education and school leadership, with a focus on inclusive practices, student-centered learning, and data-informed instruction. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal in Fairfax County Public Schools, where she supports a diverse student population in a highly specialized setting that includes advanced academics and programs for deaf and hard of hearing students.

A Washington State-certified principal and doctoral candidate, McGeehan began her career as a special education teacher in Oak Harbor Public Schools. She later served as a Special Education Department Chair, where she mentored staff, supported program implementation, and helped strengthen systems of support for students.

“I am deeply honored and energized to join the Anacortes School District as the new Principal of Fidalgo Elementary School,” said McGeehan. “Having previously worked in the area, my family and I are so excited to call the island home again. I look forward to building strong partnerships with our families and staff to ensure every child feels known, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. I am eager to bring my energy and dedication to Fidalgo, working alongside our incredible educators to provide high-quality instruction and a positive, predictable learning environment for all our students. I can’t wait to get started!”

The selection follows a comprehensive and inclusive hiring process. The district received 28 applications and narrowed the field to five finalists. Candidates participated in a full day of interviews, including stakeholder interview panels and a community forum held at Fidalgo Elementary, where staff, families, and community members had the opportunity to meet each candidate and provide input. Finalists then advanced to a final interview with incoming Superintendent Dr. James Everett and the district leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. McGeehan to Fidalgo Elementary. She brings a clear vision for student success, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to community. I look forward to working alongside her as a valued partner on the leadership team,” said incoming Superintendent Dr. James Everett. 

McGeehan will officially begin her role this summer in preparation for the 2026–2027 school year.

Dr. Tara Dowd Named 2026 Recipient of the Brodniak Cultural Education Award

The Anacortes School District is proud to announce Dr. Tara Dowd as the 2026 recipient of the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to cultural arts education within the district.

Dr. Dowd has been instrumental in expanding arts opportunities for students in Anacortes, ensuring the arts are deeply embedded in teaching and learning. This year, she has championed the Artist in School program, supported the MoNA Link program and Skagit River Poetry Festival, and encouraged teachers to bring local artists through the LAIS program (Local Artists in the Schools) and professional development experiences. She has also helped sustain funding and support for school performances, visiting artists, and theater programs at Fidalgo Elementary.

Beyond the current year, Dr. Dowd initiated the Artist in School program at Fidalgo Elementary, a model that expanded to other schools in the district. She has consistently promoted the integration of arts into Social Emotional Learning and strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Anacortes Community Theatre and Missoula Children’s Theatre. Her leadership has also ensured students' continued access to the arts during challenging times, including providing materials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Dowd said, “A shared vision at Fidalgo Elementary is that all students see themselves as artists. I am pleased to have played a small part in realizing this as part of each student’s identity. I view the arts as an essential and integrated part of learning. The arts activate all of the higher-level-thinking skills, are found in all subject areas, provide students with powerful and satisfying forms of self-expression, and culminate in performances and art pieces that students take pride in. I am honored to receive the Brodniak Award and do so on behalf of the entire Fidalgo staff who inspire students through art every day.”

“Dr. Dowd has built a school culture where the arts are not an add-on but a core part of how students learn and grow,” said a nominator. “She is a visionary leader who recognizes that creativity is essential to both academic and emotional development. Through her work, she has opened doors for students who might not otherwise see themselves as artists. She connects staff to professional learning opportunities, and consistently pushes our system to think more broadly about what learning through the arts can look like. Her leadership has permanently changed the experience of school for our students and staff.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner added, “Dr. Dowd exemplifies the spirit of the Brodniak Award through her dedication to students, creativity, and community connection. Her leadership has strengthened arts education across our district in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Dr. Dowd will be formally recognized at the Anacortes School Board Meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:15 PM. Her name will be added to the permanent Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award plaque, honoring her contributions for generations to come.

For a list of past recipients or more information about the award, visit https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/49-Arts-and-Cultural-Education

The Anacortes School District, in partnership with Barrett Financial, is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Champions in Education Award. This program recognizes outstanding staff who go above and beyond to support students and make a meaningful difference in our schools and community.

This year, two $5,000 awards will be presented:

• One to a certificated staff member

• One to a classified or non-represented staff member

Anyone can nominate a staff member—students, families, staff, and community members are all encouraged to participate.

Who qualifies?

Certificated staff includes teachers, specialists (PE, music, science, library), district nurses, counselors, and special education staff (psychologists, speech-language pathologists, OT/PTs).

Classified and non-represented staff includes paraeducators, office assistants (such as office managers, attendance staff, and registrars), coaches, extracurricular staff, school-level nurses, and staff in departments such as food service, custodial, maintenance, transportation (including bus drivers), finance, teaching and learning, human resources, special education, and technology.

Nomination Deadline:
Submit your nominations via the Google Form by April 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

What happens next?
Selected nominees will be invited to submit a short application describing how they would use the award funds. A selection committee will review all nominations and evaluate candidates based on their impact on students, commitment to equity and inclusion, collaboration, professional growth, community engagement, and innovation.

Award Presentation:
Recipients will be honored at the School Board meeting on May 21, 2026, at 6:15 PM in the Anacortes High School Library.

The Champions in Education Award celebrates the dedication, creativity, and commitment of Anacortes School District staff who make a difference every day in the lives of students and the community.

Dear Anacortes School District Families,

As we begin planning for the 2026–27 school year, we are starting the budget development process and would like to gather feedback from our community. Your input is important and will help guide decisions as we prioritize resources to best support our students and schools. We invite you to take a few moments to complete the survey linked below.

Survey Link

Thank you for your time and for sharing your perspective. Please submit your responses by April 3, 2026.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carl Bruner, Interim Superintendent