State Honors Anacortes School District for Student Achievement

Anacortes School District has been selected as one of 46 school districts across Washington to receive a new statewide honor recognizing student achievement and progress. The recognition was announced by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The award highlights school districts that demonstrate strong student outcomes and measurable progress in key areas such as academic growth, graduation rates, and access to advanced coursework and learning opportunities. It is the first year the state has presented this award to school districts, recognizing districts that are showing both high achievement and meaningful improvement over time.

“The school board is incredibly proud of our teachers, staff, and students for this recognition,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “It reflects the hard work happening across the district every day, and the commitment of the staff to make sure our students have every opportunity to grow and succeed.”

The recognition is based on statewide data and performance indicators used by OSPI to evaluate student success and progress. These measures consider factors such as academic performance, student growth, graduation rates, and other indicators that demonstrate positive outcomes for students across Washington.

As part of the recognition, the district will receive a commemorative banner and plaque from OSPI celebrating the district’s commitment to student success.

“This award recognizes the work of our incredible students and dedicated educators,” Anacortes High School Principal Dr. Erin Duez said. “We are thankful for the support of our families and the wider Anacortes community.”

For more information about the award, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website. 

Anacortes School Board Selects Dr. James Everett as Next Superintendent

After a comprehensive and community-focused search process that included three public forums and input from students, staff, families, and community members, the Anacortes School Board is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. James Everett as the next Superintendent of Anacortes School District. Dr. Everett will officially begin his tenure on July 1, 2026 pending contact negotiations.

Dr. Everett is a lifelong Northwest Washington educator who believes that strong schools grow from strong relationships and shared community pride. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent, he has helped shape schools that anchor rural communities and ensure every child feels known, supported, and prepared for the future.

Beginning his career in teaching and coaching, Dr. Everett learned firsthand the power of belonging, teamwork, and perseverance, experiences that continue to guide his approach to leadership. As Superintendent of the Meridian School District since 2018, he has strengthened early learning opportunities, expanded student supports, and built partnerships that help students successfully transition into college, careers, and community roles.

Dr. Everett is actively engaged in statewide and national education leadership. He serves as Chair of the Washington Schools Risk Management Pool Board, advocates for public education through WASA and AASA, and participates in Superintendents United in Partnership for Equitable Schools (SUPES) to support K–12 funding reform. He also mentors early-career superintendents and champions the needs of small and rural districts.

Recognized for his leadership by WASA, NEA, AWSP, and WSSDA, Dr. Everett leads with integrity, stewardship, and a commitment to ensuring every student belongs and succeeds.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Everett to Anacortes,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “Dr. Everett's deep roots in Northwest Washington and his genuine belief that strong schools grow from strong communities make him a natural fit for Anacortes. From the very beginning of this process, it was clear that he shares our community's vision, that every child deserves to feel known, supported, and ready for their futures. His experience, his heart for students, and his collaborative spirit are exactly what Anacortes needs as we look ahead. This is a wonderful day for our district, and the future is bright. We couldn't be more excited to welcome him.”

Dr. Everett shared, “It is a true honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Anacortes School District. Anacortes has a strong tradition of community pride, educational excellence, and opportunity for students, and I am excited to join the board, staff, families, and community in continuing to build a destination district where every student is known, supported, and inspired. I am also deeply grateful for my time in Meridian. The relationships and shared work with students, staff, and families there have meant a great deal to me, and I carry that experience and appreciation forward.”

The superintendent search process was guided by a leadership profile developed from extensive community input and supported by superintendent search consultant HYA, Inc. The Board hosted three public forums to ensure transparency and meaningful engagement before making its final selection.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Anacortes School Board interviewed five candidates for the position of Superintendent and is pleased to announce the selection of three finalists. The finalists will visit the district March 3–5, 2026, and will engage with students, staff, families, and community members throughout their visit. 

Superintendent Candidate Finalists

For full candidate biographies, please visit the Anacortes School District Superintendent Candidate Finalists page.

Dr. Francis (Frank) Redmon

Dr. Redmon brings nearly three decades of experience working alongside students, families, educators, and community members to support student-centered schools. He is recognized for fostering collaborative cultures grounded in trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement. His leadership emphasizes strong academic systems, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), expanded career and technical education pathways, and Science of Reading–aligned literacy practices. Dr. Redmon prioritizes shared leadership, professional growth, and inclusive decision-making to ensure students are supported academically and socially.

Dr. James Everett

Dr. Everett is a Northwest Washington educator with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Currently serving as Superintendent of the Meridian School District, he focuses on strengthening early learning opportunities, expanding student supports, and building partnerships that prepare students for college, careers, and community life. Dr. Everett is actively involved in statewide leadership and rural education advocacy and is known for his commitment to ensuring every student feels known, supported, and future-ready.

Dr. Christopher Nesmith

Dr. Nesmith currently serves as Superintendent of the Elma School District in Washington State. His work centers on building coherent systems that align curriculum, assessment, and partnerships to ensure students graduate prepared for life beyond high school. Under his leadership, the district strengthened early literacy, clarified grading and standards practices, and expanded career-connected learning opportunities. Dr. Nesmith is committed to student-centered leadership, academic rigor, and creating learning environments where belonging and achievement go hand in hand.

Community Forum Schedule

All forums will be held at the Anacortes High School Library from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM or watch via livestream on the district’s YouTube channel, Anacortes School District YouTube Channel. 

• March 3: Dr. Francis (Frank) Redmon

• March 4: Dr. James Everett

• March 5: Dr. Christopher Nesmith

Participants have the opportunity to submit input for the School Board to consider in preparing candidate questions for each forum. Interested stakeholders are invited to share their input using an online form. 

Finalist Candidate Forum Interview Question Input Form

The Anacortes School Board appreciates the community’s continued engagement and partnership throughout this important process and looks forward to welcoming the finalists to Anacortes.

Anacortes School District Levy Renewals Passing with Strong Community Support

As of February 13, 2026, the Anacortes School District’s 2027–2030 Replacement Levy measures are passing with strong voter support. Final results will be certified by Skagit County Elections in the coming weeks.

The measures on the ballot included Proposition 1: Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Proposition 2: Replacement Capital Technology & School Safety Levy. Both measures are replacements of existing levies, not new taxes, and are to maintain the quality, safety, and functionality of our schools and programs not fully funded by the state.

With voter approval, the levy renewals will allow the district to continue supporting critical educational services and investments, including:

• Student health, safety, and wellness supports, such as school nurses, counseling and mental health services, and school safety enhancements

• Educational programs, including expanded course offerings, academic support paraeducators, academic counselors, and maintaining manageable class sizes

• Student enrichment opportunities, such as athletics, intramurals, and visual and performing arts

• Safety and security upgrades, facility and infrastructure improvements, classroom technology, communication infrastructure, playgrounds, and energy systems.

District leaders expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement throughout the levy process and for the voters who participated in the election.

“These results speak clearly to the Anacortes community’s deep commitment to public education,” said Nicole Tesch, District Spokesperson and Communications. “Voters have affirmed their support for the programs, people, and services that make a difference for students every day. These replacement levies allow the district to move forward with financial stability and focus on academics and student experience as we continue serving our schools and community.”

Additional information about the 2027–2030 Renewal Levies is available on the district’s website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/Portal/2027-30-Renewal-Levies

Dear Families and Students,

We want to make you aware of a phishing email that is currently being sent to Anacortes School District families and students.

The message appears to come from an ASD email address and includes a list of items for sale or donation, asking recipients to respond using a personal email address.

This message is not legitimate. Please do not respond to this email, click on any links, or provide any personal or financial information. 

Our technology team is actively working to resolve the issue and secure accounts as needed. We appreciate your vigilance and patience as we address this matter.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe.

Anacortes School District 

Short Excerpt from the email: 
 

“Mrs. Tracie, who is relocating soon, is donating her late husband’s household items to students and staff… We are seeking serious buyers only…”

The message includes a long list of vehicles and household items for sale and asks recipients to contact an individual using a personal Gmail address and to avoid using school email. Again, This message is not legitimate. Please do not respond to this email, click on any links, or provide any personal or financial information. 

HYA is conducting a community forum to provide the Anacortes School Board with valuable insight from stakeholders regarding district strengths, challenges that need to be addressed, and the leadership attributes desired in the next Superintendent. Feedback from the forum, survey responses, and district data will inform the Leadership Profile used for recruitment and Board selection.

To engage as many stakeholders as possible, the Anacortes School District invites families and community members to participate in the Superintendent Search Community & Families Forum:

Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221

This session is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and allow participants to build on shared perspectives. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your participation in this important process.

Virtual Participation Option
If you are unable to attend in person, you may watch the live stream or recorded session by subscribing to the Anacortes School District YouTube channel.

Online Survey
The online Superintendent Search Survey opens tomorrow and will remain available until January 16 at 4:00 p.m. All families, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to participate.

Survey Link

If you have questions, please contact HYA at: https://hyasearch.com/contact/

We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your engagement in shaping the future leadership of the Anacortes School District!

Anacortes School Board Recognized as 2025 Board of Distinction

The Anacortes School Board has once again been recognized as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) in the medium district category. This distinction honors school boards across Washington that demonstrate exceptional governance, strategic leadership, and a clear commitment to student success and well-being.

In their recognition, WSSDA commended the Anacortes School Board for its strong focus on student wellness, success, and voice throughout district initiatives. Reviewers noted the board’s intentional connection between site visits and board development, highlighting how these efforts foster proactive planning and strategic learning tied directly to student outcomes.

Anacortes is among a select group of school boards across the state to earn this prestigious title, marking the district’s twelfth Board of Distinction award. Anacortes remains one of only a dozen districts in Washington to have received this honor five or more times, underscoring its sustained excellence in educational leadership.

Recognition of the 2025 Boards of Distinction took place during WSSDA’s Annual Conference at the President’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle.

The current members of the Anacortes School Board are President Jennie Beltramini, Vice President Diana Farnsworth, Director Jack Curtis, Director Meredith McIlmoyle, and Director Heather Brennan. Student Board Representatives include Senior Zephrin Ehrheart, Senior Kaycie Knight, Junior Madeline Wray, and Junior Allison Clairidge. 

For additional information, visit: WSSDA 2025 Board of Distinction

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.