Bellingham Schools to Cut 60 Positions, Avoid Elementary Closures

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Bellingham Public Schools (BPS) in Washington state is reducing around 60 certified staff positions due to a $7.5 million budget shortfall. The district says half the cuts will come through attrition, while the rest will impact areas like PE, music, libraries, and counseling. However, BPS has decided not to close any elementary schools this coming fall, despite earlier considerations.

Why it matters

School budget cuts and potential closures are always sensitive topics that impact families and communities. Bellingham's decisions highlight the difficult tradeoffs districts face when addressing funding shortfalls, as they try to minimize disruptions to students and maintain educational programs.

The details

BPS spokesperson Dana Smith says the district plans to reduce around 60 certified staff positions, with half coming through attrition like not replacing retiring teachers. The other reductions will be made in areas like PE, music, libraries and counseling, including at the elementary and middle school levels. Superintendent Greg Baker attributes the $7.5 million deficit to shrinking state funding.

• The district's Facilities Planning Task Force is expected to release its budget-saving recommendations this spring.
• Any elementary school closures, if recommended, would not take place until summer 2027 at the earliest.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The district's Facilities Planning Task Force is expected to release its budget-saving recommendations this spring, which could still include one or more elementary school closures, though not until summer 2027 at the earliest.