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 

Friendly reminder: the Anacortes School District Back-to-School Guide for 2025–2026 is ready to help families prepare for a smooth and successful start to the year. This all-in-one digital resource has everything you need in one convenient place. Visit our website to explore the guide and get ready for day one!

With school just two weeks away, now is the perfect time to review the guide and make sure your student is ready for day one.

Annual Update Reminder
All families are required to complete their Annual Update in Skyward Family Access before school begins. This step ensures that your student’s contact information, emergency contacts, health forms, and transportation requests are accurate and up to date. Please log in to Skyward Family Access as soon as possible to complete your update.

What you’ll find in the Back-to-School Guide:

• School Supply Lists – grade-level checklists to help you shop smart and stay prepared

• Technology Info – details on student devices, apps, login instructions, and tech support

• Bus Routes & Transportation – available through the My Ride K-12 app

• 2025-26 Student Calendar – UPDATED with new half-day changes, plus key dates, holidays, and events

• Daily Schedules – review when and where students need to be each day

• School Meals – free breakfast and lunch for all students at Mount Erie, Island View, and Fidalgo Elementary schools (HB 1238) and at Cap Sante High School (CEP school). Families can also apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Skyward Family Access and manage lunch accounts through MealTime Online.

• Medication Information – health guidelines and required forms
   

Take a few minutes now to explore the guide and complete your Annual Update in Skyward. Doing so will help ensure your student is fully set for success when the first day of school arrives!

Complete Your REQUIRED Annual Student Update & New Online Free/Reduced Meal Application

The Required Annual Student Information Update for the 2025–26 school year is now open in Skyward Family Access, and for the first time, families can complete the Free and Reduced Meals Program application online as part of this process.

The annual update is essential for:

• Updating contact and emergency information.
• Confirming student enrollment for the upcoming school year.
• Completing required district forms, including the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application.

How to Complete the Annual Update:

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.
• Select “REQUIRED ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE” and follow the prompts for each student.

Completing the update ensures we have accurate information to keep you informed and helps confirm your students’ placement for the school year.

Free and Reduced Meals Program

For the 2025-26 school year, all students at the following schools will receive free breakfast and lunch each school day:

• Mount Erie Elementary
• Fidalgo Elementary
• Island View Elementary
• Cap Sante High School (Community Eligibility Provision)

Even if your child attends one of these schools, you must still complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application each year. This ensures our district maintains eligibility for these programs.

Update for the 2025–26 school year is now open in Skyward Family Access and for the first time, families can complete the Free and Reduced Meals Program application online as part of this process.

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. Cap Sante High School qualifies under the Community Eligibility Provision.

By completing the annual update, including the online meal application, you help ensure these benefits continue for our students! For more information about this program, visit the Free and Reduced Price Meals Program webpage. 

NOTE: IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE DISTRICT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL UPDATE. 

Anacortes School District Restores Counselor Positions

The Anacortes School District is pleased to announce the restoration of 2.0 FTE counseling positions for the upcoming school year, following the Anacortes Education Association’s (AEA) ratification of the recent bargaining settlement.

This important step supports our shared commitment to ensuring students have access to vital social-emotional and academic support. Restoring counselor positions has been a long-standing priority for both the District and AEA, and we are proud to see this progress realized.

Throughout the bargaining process, both teams worked collaboratively to find creative, sustainable solutions that protect essential student services, maintain competitive cost-of-living adjustments for staff, and ensure that the district remains on a path toward long-term financial stability.

We are grateful to AEA for their constructive and collaborative approach, which helped make this achievement a reality.

“We are pleased to welcome additional counseling staff back to our schools,” said Dr. Carl Bruner, Interim Superintendent of Anacortes School District. “This reflects the dedication of both the District and AEA to prioritize student well-being while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

“Despite budgetary constraints, we were able to work with the district in a very positive and collaborative manner to make sure counselors were recalled, the district could move in a positive direction fiscally, and AEA members felt represented in our settlement,” said Erin Glick, President of the Anacortes Education Association. 

The restored positions will be in place for the 2025–2026 school year, ensuring students have expanded access to counseling support across the district.

Anacortes Middle School to Continue 6-Period Day Through 2027-2028

After thoughtful consideration and collaboration during the bargaining process, the Anacortes School District has decided that Anacortes Middle School will continue with its current 6-period day schedule through the school year 2027-2028.

The topic of transitioning to a 7-period day was explored in depth by district leadership, staff, and union leadership. While the potential benefits of expanding the schedule were acknowledged, such as increased elective offerings and extended learning blocks for students, both the financial impact and overall logistics led to a decision to remain with the current structure.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner added, “The district appreciates the thoughtful input from educators and our families on this issue. Our goal remains the same: to provide the highest quality education for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

Dr. Nathan Plummer, Principal of Anacortes Middle School, shared, “We are confident that our current six-period schedule continues to meet the needs of our students. Our dedicated staff remains committed to providing robust instruction for all learners. We are focused on delivering strong, equitable learning experiences, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that both teachers and students have the support and structures necessary to maintain a safe, healthy, and well-organized environment.”

The district will continue to explore ways to enhance educational opportunities at Anacortes Middle School and throughout the district while ensuring that all decisions are made with student success and staff well-being at the forefront.

The Anacortes School District Back-to-School Guide for 2025–2026 is Here!

The Back-to-School Guide for the 2025–2026 school year is now live and ready to help families prepare for a smooth and successful start! This comprehensive digital resource has everything you need in one convenient place. Just head to our website to get started.

What you'll find in the guide:

• School Supply Lists: Grade-level checklists to help you shop smart and stay prepared.

• Technology Info: Details on student devices, apps, login instructions, and tech support.

• Bus Routes & Transportation: Updated routes and stop times are now available through the My Ride K-12 app (replacing Ride 360). Instructions are included in the guide!

• Student Calendar: Download the one-page calendar with key dates, holidays, and early releases.

• Student Handbook (Coming Soon): Learn about policies, expectations, and day-to-day school life.

• Daily Class Schedule: Plan ahead by reviewing when and where students need to be.

• School Meals: Free breakfast and lunch will be available to all students at Mount Erie Elementary, Fidalgo Elementary, Island View Elementary, and Cap Sante High School thanks to HB 1238! Families can also apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals and manage lunch accounts through MealTime Online.

• Medication Information: Access health guidelines and required forms.

Don't Miss These Free Community Events:

• Verizon Backpack Giveaway
  Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM
  1820 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
  Pick up a free backpack filled with school supplies—no Verizon service required to participate!

• Anacortes Schools Foundation Ready to Learn Fair
  Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  Anacortes High School
  Free backpacks, books, school supplies, clothing, and even haircuts for students. A great way to gear up for the year ahead!

Looking for more local resources?
Check out our Anacortes Community Connect online bulletin board.

Anacortes School District Selects Dr. Carl Bruner as Interim Superintendent for 2025–2026 School Year

The Anacortes School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carl Bruner as Interim Superintendent for the 2025–2026 school year, effective July 1, 2025.

The Anacortes School Board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Bruner’s appointment at its special meeting on June 20, 2025. His contract is scheduled to be finalized at the June 27, 2025, special board meeting.

Dr. Bruner brings more than four decades of leadership in public education, including 16 years as Superintendent of the Mount Vernon School District and multiple successful interim leadership roles across Washington. He is widely respected for his commitment to inclusive, student-centered practices and for building collaborative cultures that foster academic and community success.

“Dr. Bruner is a proven leader with a deep understanding of educational systems, equity, and community engagement,” said Jennie Beltramini, President of the Anacortes School Board. “We are confident in his ability to lead during this time of transition and continue the district’s focus on supporting all students.”

Reflecting on the role, Dr. Bruner shared, “I have long admired the Anacortes School District’s strong values, talented educators, and commitment to students. I’m honored to serve as interim superintendent and look forward to working alongside staff, families, and the community to support every learner.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Bruner has supported districts through complex challenges, strategic planning, and continuous improvement efforts. His leadership is grounded in integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to educational excellence.

The School Board will begin a formal search for a permanent superintendent in the winter of 2025.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Carl Bruner to the Anacortes School District!

Anacortes School District Offers Free Child Find Developmental Screenings for Children Birth to Age 5

The Anacortes School District is proud to provide free developmental screenings for children from birth through age 5 (as of August 31) through its Child Find program. These screenings, available by appointment only at the Whitney Early Learning Center, are designed to support families in understanding their child’s developmental progress and identifying any areas where additional support may be helpful.

Screening Dates for the 2025–26 School Year
Parents and caregivers can schedule their child’s screening from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the following dates:

• August 27, 2025
• September 26, 2025
• October 24, 2025
• November 21, 2025
• December 12, 2025
• January 23, 2026
• February 20, 2026
• March 20, 2026
• April 17, 2026

Appointments are required and can be made by calling Lora Billow at (360) 503-1446.

What Is a Child Find Screening?
Child Find is a free, early developmental screening designed to assess key areas of a young child’s growth. The screening is conducted through engaging and age-appropriate activities that help trained specialists observe important developmental milestones. Areas of focus include:

• Speech and language skills – evaluating how your child communicates and understands language
• Hearing and vision – basic checks to identify any concerns that could impact learning
• Motor skills – assessing both fine motor skills like drawing and cutting, as well as gross motor skills like jumping and running
• Cognitive skills – early problem-solving and pre-readiness tasks such as counting and stacking blocks
• Social-emotional development – understanding how your child interacts with others and manages emotions
• Self-help skills – evaluating your child’s ability to care for themselves in everyday tasks

Each screening lasts approximately 45 minutes and is conducted in a supportive, child-friendly environment to make the experience positive for your little one.

Why Is Early Screening Important?
Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development. Identifying developmental delays or concerns as early as possible allows families and educators to access resources and interventions that can significantly improve a child’s success in school and life. The Child Find program is a valuable resource to ensure every child gets the support they need to thrive.

How to Participate
To schedule a free developmental screening for your child, please contact Lora Billow at (360) 503-1446. Spaces are limited, so early scheduling is encouraged.

For more information about the Child Find program and other early learning opportunities in Anacortes, visit:
https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/54-Student-Support-Services-and-Special-Education/Portal/special-education