Superintendent- Anacortes, WA

Job Description

The Anacortes School District Board of Directors presents

an invitation to apply for the position of

SUPERINTENDENT

Anacortes School District seeks a highly qualified, collaborative, and visionary instructional leader to work closely with the school board, staff, families, and community to ensure success for every student. The successful candidate will be expected to serve as the district’s primary instructional leader and lead the implementation of the strategic plan, with particular emphasis on educational equity, advancing teaching and learning, supporting social and emotional learning, strengthening partnerships, and exercising responsible stewardship of resources.

District level experience with instructional improvements, district operations, and effective financial oversight are desired as well as familiarity with Superintendent expectations within Washington State’s public school system. The ability to navigate the financial realities and broad operational responsibilities inherent in leading a small district is critical. A demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with all stakeholders, engage diverse perspectives, build trust across the community, and actively engage in community events, groups, and activities is also essential.

Minimum Qualities/Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Current WA State Superintendent Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Prior successful experience as an educational leader
• Proven ability to lead district-level instructional improvement initiatives
• Experience with district operations and effective financial oversight in a K-12 setting
• Understanding of Washington State’s public school system, including recent state legislation and funding mechanisms and their local impacts
• Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including transparent and respectful interactions with students, staff, families, and community members, with the ability to engage diverse perspectives and build trust
• Demonstrated exemplary communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing
• Commitment to equity and culturally responsive practices
• Models high standards of professional and ethical behavior at all times and operates consistently with integrity

Preferred Qualities/Qualifications

• Successful experience as a superintendent
• District level administrative experience in K-12 public education
• Doctoral Degree (PhD or EdD) in Educational Leadership or related field
• Experience working in a small district where leaders assume multiple operational roles
• Demonstrated success in managing complex budgets, navigating financial constraints, and maximizing limited resources
• Experience partnering with community members, consultants, higher education, and local organizations in support of public education
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors in a collaborative governance model
• Experience bargaining with union groups

About the District

Welcome to the Anacortes School District! Located on beautiful Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is a leader in public education, with a strong vision for teaching and learning. Our strategic plan is anchored by four pillars: Quality Instruction and Curriculum, Partnerships, Social-Emotional Learning, and Stewardship, which guide our work and decisions, ensuring that every student rises to their fullest potential.

Anacortes schools benefit from highly supportive families, community members, and an impressive network of volunteers. Our unique school-community partnership resulted in one of the highest school levy ‘yes votes’ in the State of Washington.  We serve more than 2,500 students, each with diverse thoughts, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences. 

The district offers robust learning and enrichment opportunities for all students, including highly capable programs, special education, English Learner support, Career & Technical Education through our partnership with Northwest Career and Technical Academy, a one-to-one technology initiative providing laptops for all students, and strong arts, music, athletics, and electives across all schools. Our mission is to inspire every student daily through high-quality instruction that fosters creativity, personal growth, character development, and a lifelong passion for learning. We’re passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning and making a difference in our students’ lives.

About the Community

Anacortes, the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island, is conveniently situated halfway between Seattle & Vancouver BC, and is the destination point for the San Juan Islands and International Ferry runs. The island is known for its historic waterfront, 50-miles of hiking trails, and a mix of annual festivals. Its year-round music scene is lively and visitors can soak up a range of tunes from rock to bluegrass to jazz at outside venues during the summer and restaurants and bars throughout the year. The culinary scene is ever-growing and you’ll find a variety of restaurants with farm-to-table menus, scratch and house-made ingredients.

Strengths and Opportunities

The School Board has selected the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to gather input from students, staff, families and community members regarding strengths and challenges facing the district as well as the most important leadership qualities and characteristics participants believe the School Board should consider in selecting the next superintendent. This input will be used to develop a Leadership Profile Report that will be shared with the public and prospective candidates. The report will also be considered by the Board in making screening and selection decisions.

Application Requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume 
3. Completed Application Form at HYA website
4. A minimum of three written references

Application Process & Timeline

Application deadline:   February 6, 2026; 4:00 p.m. PST

Announcement of appointment:  Late March

Superintendent begins:  July 1, 2026

Compensation

The Anacortes School District Board of Directors will negotiate a compensation and benefit package that is regionally competitive based on education and experience.

Confidential Inquiries Please Contact:

Kristine McDuffy, 360-391-4934, kristinemcduffy@hyasearch.com

John Bash, 360-269-8224, johnbash@hyasearch.com

HYA Senior Search Consultants

How to apply for this job?

1. Register for an account on the HYA website. Or, log in to the HYA website if you already have an account created. Click the Login/Register button at the top of the page to get started.
2. After logging in, click the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
3. You will be redirected to the Frontline Education website. This website is where you will submit your application. This website also will require its own unique login and password.