Remembering September 11th, 25th Anniversary
We invite the community to visit Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School tomorrow, Friday, September 11, as we pause to remember and honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The plaza will be open to the public from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. No formal events are planned; rather, we invite community members to visit for a time of reflection, remembrance, and tribute.

As we mark 25 years since that day, we remember the lives lost, honor the first responders and members of the military who answered the call to serve, and reflect on the courage, compassion, and unity that followed. We welcome community members, families, staff, students, veterans, first responders, and all those who wish to pause, reflect, and remember.

DATE: Friday, September 11, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School

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Anacortes School District Leadership Team Earns State and National Recognition
Superintendent Dr. James Everett elected WASA President-Elect; Dr. Brian Fraser recognized as ASBO International Emerging Leader

The Anacortes School District is proud to celebrate significant statewide and national recognition for two members of its leadership team, reflecting their dedication to public education, professional leadership and ensuring Anacortes students and families have access to the strongest possible school system.

Superintendent Dr. James Everett has been elected President-Elect of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and will assume the presidency in July 2027. Dr. Everett has been an active member of WASA since 2013 and has served the association in numerous leadership, mentorship and advocacy roles. Dr. Everett’s leadership philosophy centers on building relationships, supporting educators and ensuring school leaders have the resources and connections they need to serve students well.

The district is also proud to announce that Dr. Brian Fraser, Director of Finance and Operations, has been selected as a 2026 Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipient by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The national scholarship recognizes rising school business professionals who demonstrate leadership, commitment to their profession and a desire to contribute to the future of school business administration. Dr. Fraser’s work supports the critical financial and operational systems that allow Anacortes schools to focus on what matters most: students. His recognition reflects his commitment to responsible stewardship, continuous improvement and ensuring the district has strong systems in place to support staff and student success. 

“These honors reflect something the Anacortes School Board deeply values: leaders who never stop growing. Strong schools are built by leaders who model continuous learning, and Dr. Everett and Dr. Fraser both do that. Their commitment to their professions directly benefits our students and families in Anacortes. Congratulations to them both on these well-earned recognitions,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini.

“Dr. Fraser’s recognition speaks to the caliber of leadership we are fortunate to have in Anacortes. He brings tremendous knowledge, thoughtful stewardship, and a genuine commitment to making our district stronger. I’m proud of Brian and equally proud of the team we are building together to make Anacortes a great place to learn, work, and grow,” said Superintendent Dr. James Everett.

The Anacortes School District congratulates Dr. Everett and Dr. Fraser on these well-deserved honors and looks forward to the continued impact of their leadership in Anacortes and beyond.

Anacortes School District Families,

I am honored and excited to serve as your superintendent. I view this role as a partnership with our students, staff, families, community, and Board of Directors. Our shared responsibility is to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and prepared for their future.

As I begin my work in Anacortes, I will spend time listening and learning from the people who know our schools and community best. I look forward to visiting our schools, meeting with staff and students, and connecting with families and community partners. These conversations will help me better understand the strengths of our district, the priorities of our community, and the opportunities ahead of us.

A little about me: I have spent my career in education because I believe deeply in the power of public schools and the opportunities they create for young people. I am passionate about creating strong school communities, supporting educators, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

I know there is tremendous pride in Anacortes schools, and I look forward to learning more about the traditions, accomplishments, and aspirations that make this district special.

As part of this work, I have been developing a Superintendent Entry Plan outlining my approach to listening, learning and engaging with our students, staff, families and community during my first months as superintendent. The plan will be ready to share in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout for it! I'm excited to share this roadmap with you and continue this important work together. 

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives as I begin this work. Together, we can continue building on the strengths of Anacortes School District and ensure our schools remain places where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Anacortes community. We can’t wait to see your children in our schools this Thursday!

Dr. James Everett, Superintendent

Everything families need to get ready for the new school year is now available in one place.

The Anacortes School District has released its 2026–27 Back-to-School Guide, a digital resource designed to help students and families prepare for the first day of school. The first weeks of school come with plenty of questions. The Back-to-School Guide is designed to make finding answers easier by putting important information in one convenient location.

From school supply lists and bus routes to technology information, school calendars, meals, bell schedules, and important forms, the guide brings together the information families need to start the school year prepared and informed.


What Families Will Find in the Guide

School Supplies
Find school supply lists by grade and school so students have what they need when classes begin.

Transportation
Review information about bus routes, stops, and schedules through the My Ride K-12 app, the district’s transportation app for the 2026–27 school year. Instructions for using the app are included in the guide.

Technology
Find information about student devices, required apps, login information, and technology support.

School Calendar & Important Dates
Download the one-page district calendar with important dates, holidays, early release days, and other key events throughout the school year.

Bell & Class Schedule Information
Review school start and dismissal times, bell schedules, and daily class schedules to help students know what to expect when they return.

Student Handbook
Learn about district policies, student expectations, and important information about day-to-day school life.

School Meals
Students at Fidalgo Elementary and Mount Erie Elementary will have access to free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2026-27 school year through Washington’s implementation of HB 1238.

Families can also find information about applying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and managing student meal accounts through MealTime Online. Families are encouraged to complete the eligibility application each year, even when their student attends a school where meals are provided free to all students.

Health & Medication Information
Access health information, medication guidelines, and required forms to help ensure students are ready to return to school safely.


Anacortes Schools Foundation Ready to Learn Fair
We are grateful to the Anacortes Schools Foundation for helping local students and families get ready for the 2026–27 school year through its annual Ready to Learn Fair on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Anacortes High School. This free community event provides students with backpacks and school supplies, books, gently used clothing, new underwear and socks, free haircuts, and other valuable resources from community partners. We appreciate the Anacortes Schools Foundation and the many community partners and volunteers who make this event possible and help ensure students have what they need to start the school year ready to learn.

More Community Resources
Families looking for additional local programs, activities, and services can visit the district’s online bulletin board, the Anacortes Community Connect, which features events, resources, and opportunities from community organizations.

Complete Your REQUIRED Annual Student Update for 2026-27 School Year

The Anacortes School District is excited to announce that the Required Annual Student Information Update for the 2026–27 school year is now open in Skyward Family Access.

The annual update is essential for:

• Updating contact and emergency information.
• Confirming your student’s enrollment information for the upcoming school year.
• Requesting or updating transportation.
• Completing required district forms, including the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program application.

How to Complete the Annual Update

1. Log in to Skyward Family Access.

   • Forgot your login or password? Click “Forgot Login/Password?” to receive a reset link at the email address on file.
2. Select “REQUIRED ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE” and follow the prompts for each student.

Completing the update helps ensure we have accurate information to keep you informed and helps ensure your student’s enrollment information is up to date for the school year.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program

As part of the annual student update process, families can complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program application online through Skyward Family Access.

We encourage every family to complete the application, regardless of income. The information collected helps our district qualify for important state and federal funding that supports student meals, educational programs, technology, and other essential services.

The application is quick, secure, and confidential and can make a meaningful difference for our students and schools.

Schools Offering Free Meals to All Students

During the 2026–27 school year, all students attending the following schools will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day:

• Mount Erie Elementary
• Fidalgo Elementary

House Bill 1238 requires school districts to provide free meals at elementary schools where at least 30% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on the previous year’s data.

Even if your child attends one of these schools and receives free meals, families must still complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application each school year.

Completing the application helps ensure the district remains eligible for state and federal funding that benefits students and schools throughout the district.

For more information, visit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program webpage.

Transportation Information for 2026–27

The Anacortes School District Transportation Department has made several bus route changes for the 2026–27 school year designed to improve service, reduce student ride times, and increase route efficiency.

What’s Changing?

Beginning this school year, we will have dedicated buses serving:

• Fidalgo Elementary only
• Island View Elementary and Mount Erie Elementary only

There are no major changes to middle school and high school routes.

Check Your Bus Information

Bus routes and stop information will be available in the My Ride K-12 app beginning August 15, 2026.

If your student rode the bus last school year, please check the My Ride K-12 app first before submitting a new transportation request.

Parents and guardians should log in to the app and verify their student’s transportation information before submitting a new request.

A new transportation request is only needed if:

• Your student is new to riding the bus.
• Transportation information is missing in My Ride K-12.
• The information displayed is incorrect.
• You need to request a change to your student’s transportation.

Transportation Requests and Changes

To request transportation for the first time or make changes to your student’s transportation, submit a transportation request through your student’s Skyward Family Access account.

Transportation requests and changes should be submitted no later than Friday, August 28 to allow time for processing before the first day of school.

Requests received after August 28 will be processed as quickly as possible but may not be in place for the first day of school.

My Ride K-12 App

• Download My Ride K-12 for Apple/iOS

• Download My Ride K-12 for Android

Transportation Office

The Transportation Office will reopen Monday, August 17, with office hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact the Transportation Department at 360-503-1155 or visit the Anacortes School District Transportation Department webpage for FAQs and additional information.

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.