Multiple Investigations Launched into Student Misconduct at Mount Baker Elementary School

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office opens its own investigation as district probe continues

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Multiple investigations are underway at Mount Baker School District in Bellingham, Washington, following reports of student misconduct at Harmony Elementary School. The district opened an internal investigation in September 2026, leading to the administrative leave of the school's principal. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has also launched its own investigation, though few details have been publicly released due to the involvement of minors.

Why it matters

The investigations at Mount Baker School District have raised concerns among parents and the broader community about student safety and the district's handling of the situation. The involvement of law enforcement adds an additional layer of scrutiny to the case, which has also sparked social media posts and a billboard message calling for accountability.

The details

According to Superintendent Jessica Schenck, the district opened an investigation into reports of student misconduct at Harmony Elementary in September 2026. An independent investigation was then launched, which is still ongoing. As part of the investigation, Harmony Elementary principal Todd Matthews was placed on administrative leave. Schenck noted that the investigation centers on student behavior, not inappropriate behavior by staff members. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office confirmed they opened their own investigation on January 22, 2026, but could not provide further details due to the involvement of minors.

  • The district opened an investigation into reports of student misconduct at Harmony Elementary in September 2026.
  • An independent investigation was then launched, which is still ongoing.
  • Principal Todd Matthews was placed on administrative leave as part of the investigation.
  • The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office opened its own investigation on January 22, 2026.

The players

Jessica Schenck

Superintendent of Mount Baker School District.

Todd Matthews

Principal of Harmony Elementary School, placed on administrative leave as part of the investigation.

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement agency that has opened its own investigation into the student misconduct at Harmony Elementary.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be clear that this issue and the associated investigation center on student behavior and the district's response to this student behavior. The reference to inappropriate behavior does not involve a staff member interacting inappropriately with a student.”

— Jessica Schenck, Superintendent (My Bellingham Now)

What’s next

The independent investigation into the student misconduct at Harmony Elementary is ongoing, and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office continues its own probe. The district and law enforcement have not provided a timeline for when the investigations may be completed.

The takeaway

The investigations at Mount Baker School District highlight the importance of addressing student misconduct and ensuring the safety of all students. The involvement of law enforcement and the ongoing nature of the probes suggest the district is taking the matter seriously, but the lack of details has raised concerns among parents and the community about transparency and accountability.