The Anacortes School District is taking on the issue of student vaping, particularly vaping THC, and doing what it can to stop its use. 

As published in the Anacortes American (https://www.goskagit.com/townnews/school/vaping-issues-plague-anacortes-high-school/article_447fe552-ae2f-11ed-b4e2-a37f5007dd01.html), the district is seeing a growing number of students who are vaping at school. 

“We are taking an educational approach, first, before discipline,” said AHS Principal Erin Duez. “We want to get students the help they need to deal with potential addiction, and then deal with this as a discipline issue if needed.” 

The district plans to install vape sensors at AHS and AMS. (The print version of the American article incorrectly stated that the vape sensors have already been installed.) A group of concerned parents and community members have been helping raise funds to purchase the sensors. 

“We know this is an issue for many of our students, who may not fully grasp the harmful effects of vaping and THC use. We are doing what we can to deter this behavior,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We are also incredibly appreciative of our generous donors who are helping support this effort.” 

If you or your student would like help accessing resources, please contact your school’s counseling office or principal. 

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. 

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

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 

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 

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 

The district continues to work on rebalancing its budget and plan for necessary reductions to meet a budget shortfall for current and future budget years. The district recently revised its targeted reduction to at least $3.2 million in needed cuts to balance its budget and maintain a four percent fund balance. The updated targeted reduction takes into account potential decisions that will be made during the current legislative session. 

“We are continuing to work collaboratively with our staff and community to identify areas to reduce,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Our priority is our students’ classroom experience, and we are doing everything we can to limit impacts directly to the classroom.” 

The district recently reduced $900,000 from its 2022-23 to help meet this year's shortfall, of which $586,000 will carry over as cost savings for the next school year and beyond. Various factors are causing the shortfall, including declining enrollment, increased materials, supplies, and personnel costs. 

Opportunities for Input 

There are several opportunities for the community to provide input and learn more about the district’s budget. 

• Budget Town Halls - 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. 
• District staff meetings 
• Additional materials about the budget can be found on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance

More information is available on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1177-Untitled.html

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

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