Bellingham Schools Will Host Closures Hearings
The district plans to hold two public hearings in November regarding the potential closure of two elementary schools.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Administration
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Bellingham Public Schools will host public hearings on November 2 and November 3, 2026, to discuss the proposed closure of Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools. Superintendent Greg Baker recommended the closures after the district experienced four consecutive years of enrollment declines and budget cuts.
Why it matters
The district aims to save $2.2 million through these closures, hoping to avoid further reductions in staffing and academic programs. Local community members have already begun challenging the district's analysis, highlighting the tension surrounding the future of neighborhood schools.
The district projects $2.2 million in annual savings from the closures. This proposal follows four years of continuous budget cuts and declining student enrollment across the district.
The players
Greg Baker
He serves as the superintendent for Bellingham Public Schools and recommended the closure of the two elementary campuses.
Bellingham Neighborhood Schools Coalition
This local advocacy group has publicly challenged the statistical data and closure analysis provided by the school district.
The details
Hearings for Columbia Elementary and Carl Cozier Elementary are scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the district office, where community members can provide feedback. The district is also accepting comments through email and its online Listening Post as officials weigh the recommendation to reassign students to schools like Sunnyland and Wade King.
Timeline
The district announced the public hearings on October 13, 2026.
The school board held a study session to examine data on October 15, 2026.
The public hearing for Columbia Elementary School is November 2, 2026.
The public hearing for Carl Cozier Elementary School is November 3, 2026.
New school boundaries are planned to take effect in August 2027.
Culture Shift
This proposal reflects the broader national trend of enrollment-driven school consolidation as districts grapple with changing demographics. It highlights a shift in community priorities as residents confront the potential loss of neighborhood institutions.
Families currently attending Columbia or Carl Cozier will need to prepare for potential reassignment to other campuses such as Sunnyland or Wade King. Residents can participate in the decision-making process by attending the November hearings or submitting comments via the district's official Listening Post.
The takeaway
Closing neighborhood schools often triggers significant community debate regarding resource allocation and student displacement. Residents concerned about the proposals should ensure their input is recorded through the district's formal feedback channels before the board's final vote.
What happens next
The school board is expected to make a final decision regarding the closure of the elementary schools in approximately three weeks.
Further reading
For more information on district policies, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
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