Families of the Anacortes School District, 

All Schools in the Anacortes School District will be closed on Thursday January 18, 2024 due to continued icy and unsafe road conditions. All after-school activities and events are canceled. The Anacortes School Board Meeting will take place online only via zoom.  After the determination was made that the schools would be on a two-hour delay, it was determined that the roads continue to be too unsafe for our bus drivers, families and students to drive to school. School closures and schedule changes are districtwide, even if your neighborhood is not severely impacted. Some areas of the district experience more severe weather and driving conditions than others. 

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

Sincerely, 
Anacortes School District 
 

All schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow Thursday January 18, 2024. Bus routes are on adverse weather routes. Due to freezing temperatures tonight awe expect icy conditions in the morning.  No out of district transportation will be available as well as no morning preschool.   

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. This decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

Due to icy conditions, all schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a 2 hour delay on Wednesday January 17, 2024. Bus routes are on adverse weather routes. No out of district transportation will be available.  We will still have an early release. Breakfast and lunch service will continue regardless of the day's length. This decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

The Anacortes School District will be closed today due to inclement weather and freezing temperatures. Additionally, all after-school activities and events are cancelled today as well. After we determined that the schools would be on a two-hour delay, we decided to cancel school once our bus drivers further evaluated the routes.  

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.

Please stay safe and warm, and we hope you have an "ice" day.  

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

Families of the Anacortes School District,

Due to icy conditions, all school buses in the Anacortes School District will continue to run on adverse weather routes for afternoon drop off.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

Families of the Anacortes School District,

Due to icy conditions, all schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a 2 hour delay on Thursday January 11, 2024. Bus routes are on adverse weather routes. No out of district transportation will be available.  This decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred on bus route 2 after school today. A student made a threat to harm another student with a weapon, which prompted the bus driver to pull over on the side of the road and notify 911. Local authorities were dispatched immediately. Upon investigation, it was determined that the student’s threat was unfounded and the Anacortes Police Department has assured school officials that all students are safe.

At our school district, student safety and a secure learning environment are our top priorities. We take any threat to our students’ safety very seriously, and we will not tolerate any form of threatening behavior or language. Any individual who threatens others with weapons or words of any kind will face disciplinary action in accordance with school district policies and state law.

We urge you to take this opportunity to speak with your child about the importance of school safety. It is crucial for students to understand that any threat, even if intended as a joke, can have serious consequences. We need everyone’s help to ensure that our schools remain safe. If you or your child sees or hears something concerning, please talk directly to your school principal.

Dr. Justin Irish 

Twenty-four members have been appointed to the district’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC), which will meet throughout the year to provide input on the district’s budget priorities, strategic goals, and overall financial health. Nearly half of the members served on the council last year. 

“The Budget Advisory Council has helped guide our tough budget decisions, and ensured that we have broad community input,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “It’s nice to have so many returning members, in addition to our new appointees.” 

The Anacortes School District has been engaged in a proactive budget planning process since spring, 2022, to proactively address the district’s budget challenges. The district’s 2023-24 budget of $46 million reflects nearly $3 million in reductions that the district made over the last year and a half. The district is planning for additional reductions for the 2024-25 school year. While the specific target is not yet known, the district anticipates reducing at least another $1 million from its expenditures. 

The BAC members represent staff, school board, students, parents, and community. Appointed members are: 

• Alexis Gentry - Parent 
• Amy Wilt - Parent 
• Brandie Hendricks - Parent 
• Camille Flinders - Parent 
• Carrie Worra - Parent 
• Cindy Simonsen - Community Member
• Darene Follett - Parent 
• Diana Farnsworth - School Board 
• Elliott Johnson - Parent 
• Erin Glick - Staff 
• Helen Worthington - Parent 
• Jack Curtis - School Board 
• James Yandle - Staff 
• Jay Ferrario - Staff 
• Jeanine Dickison - Staff 
• John Satzinger - Community Member 
• Katelyn Jones - Staff 
• Kia duNann - Staff 
• Lida Ahsaei - Student 
• Mike VanQuickenborne - Parent 
• Miranda Blake - Staff 
• Nicholas Genovese - Parent 
• Pat Barrett - Community Member 
• Romany Kerr - Parent 
• Sarah Davies - Parent 
• Suzanne Butler - Parent 

The BAC meetings will also be open to the public to view the process. 

The meeting schedule, and additional information is posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1063-Untitled.html

The BAC meetings will be held in the Anacortes High School library. 

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

We invite the community to visit Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School this Veterans Day and show appreciation to all the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country.  

The plaza will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11. No events are planned; rather we invite the community in for reflection and tribute. The plaza is comprised of a memorial designed by local architect Brooks Middleton, with input from the Veterans Memorial Committee, as well as a display honoring two Medal of Honor recipients with local connections. Restrooms will not be open during this time. The Anacortes School District is closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. 

Questions, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (360) 503-1211 or information@asd103.org 

Nicole Tesch has been hired as the Anacortes School District’s Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board/ Communications Coordinator. Tesch brings an extensive background in both corporate and government relations, having served with Island County, the City of Oak Harbor, the City of Anacortes, and most recently, as Executive Assistant with Amazon Web Services. Tesch is also a member of the Oak Harbor School Board. Tesch replaces Torhil Ramsay who is leaving the district for another organization after nearly eight years in the Superintendent’s office. 

“This is an integral role for our district, responsible for all district-wide communications, outreach, risk management, public records, in addition to coordination and organization of the Superintendent’s office and School Board. I am confident in Nicole’s abilities to manage the many facets of this job.” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I would like to express my gratitude to Torhil Ramsay for dedicating eight years of service to our students, staff, and community. Her exceptional support has made a significant impact, and we extend our best wishes to her as she embarks on her next career endeavor.”

Tesch also noted that she is excited to bring her background and experience to the district. 

“I believe my background in public service, grant and project management, board administration, communications, and work on legislative matters will serve me well for this role,” said Tesch. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the school district and serving the families, staff, and students of Anacortes.” 

Tesch will begin with the district on November 1, 2023.