Bellingham Public Schools public meetings in 2023

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will hold its annual organizational meeting, elect officers, and approve consent items including the final acceptance of the Sunnyland Elementary School rebuild project and the transfer of $204,624.65 in funds.

• Approval of Sunnyland Elementary School rebuild project ($34,064,115.39)
• Transfer of $204,624.65 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
• Approval of November 2023 expenditures and payroll
• Policy updates for organizational meeting and bid requirements
• Annual organizational meeting and election of officers

School Board Visit - Bellingham High School

This is a school board visit to Bellingham High School, not a regular board meeting. The board will observe how the school delivers on The Bellingham Promise. No public comment or decisions will be made.

• Board visit to Bellingham High School at 2020 Cornwall Avenue, 7:30 a.m., November 28, 2023

Special Meeting, 6:45 p.m.

The Bellingham School Board will hold a special meeting in Bellevue to discuss district initiatives and general business without public comment. The meeting is not a regular session and will take place at STK Steakhouse.

• Meeting at STK Steakhouse, 610 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
• Unstructured discussion of school district initiatives and issues
• No public comment time scheduled
• Board attending Washington State School Directors’ Association Annual Conference

Special Meeting, 4:40 p.m.

The Bellingham Public Schools Board will meet on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at 4:40 p.m. in the Executive Boardroom of the Hyatt Regency, 900 Bellevue Way NW, Bellevue, WA. The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss effective board governance. It is not a regular school board meeting and will not include public comment time.

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham Public Schools Board will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of meeting minutes, October 2023 expenditures and payroll, and several resolutions. Items on the agenda include a $644,304.75 transfer from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund and certification of the $35,000,000 excess property tax levy for 2024. The board will also vote to hire state‑certified appraisers for a surplus property on West Maplewood Avenue and for a potential purchase near the district office. Opening items cover a land acknowledgment and audience guidelines.

• Approve minutes for Oct. 12, Oct. 24, and Oct. 31 regular meetings
• Approve October 2023 expenditures and payroll
• Resolution 32‑23: transfer $644,304.75 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
• Resolution 33‑23: certify $35,000,000 excess property taxes for 2024
• Hire state‑certified appraiser for surplus property on West Maplewood Avenue

School Board Visit - Geneva Elementary School

The Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors is conducting a visit to Geneva Elementary School to observe the delivery of The Bellingham Promise. This is not a regular meeting and does not include public comment.

• Visit to Geneva Elementary School at 1401 Geneva Street

School Board Special Meeting/Student Roundtable

This is a special meeting that is not a regular school board meeting and will not include public comment. The board will hold a student roundtable discussion to learn more about the Teacher Academy program. The meeting takes place at Bellingham High School.

• Student roundtable discussion on the Teacher Academy
• No public comment period
• Location: Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Avenue
• Meeting type: Information and discussion only

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will consider approving the transfer of investment earnings and capital funds to the General Fund, as well as resolutions for two replacement levies to be placed on the February 2024 ballot.

• Approval of $180,000 transfer from Debt Service Fund to General Fund
• Approval of $628,910.89 transfer from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
• Resolution 29-23: Replacement Educational Support and Operations Levy
• Resolution 30-23: Replacement Technology Capital Projects Levy
• Approval of Policy 6804 for District Office Cafe Operation

School Board Visit - Shuksan Middle School

The Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors will visit Shuksan Middle School on October 3, 2023, to observe school operations. This is an informational visit that does not include public comment.

• Board visit to Shuksan Middle School
• Meeting at 2717 Alderwood Avenue
• No public comment period scheduled

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham Public Schools Board will consider consent items including approval of August expenditures, a fund transfer from Capital Projects to General Fund for $323,783.31, adoption of a feasibility study for a Whatcom County Skills Center, updates to Policy 4260 on use of school facilities, and contract amendments for security monitoring and mental health services. The meeting includes public comment and superintendent's report.

• Resolution 24-23: Transfer $323,783.31 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund for qualifying expenses.
• Resolution 25-23: Approval of Whatcom County Skills Center Feasibility Study for a branch of Northwest Career & Technical Academy.
• Policy 4260 Update: Revisions to Use of School Facilities policy.
• Security Solutions NW contract rider: Add monitoring at Community Transitions site (WECU facility).
• Accent Counseling MOU Addendum A: Adjust pay rates for mental health interns at Kulshan Middle School and Squalicum High School.

Special Meeting

The Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors is holding a special meeting on August 18, 2023, at Alderwood Elementary School. The agenda includes discussion items on community engagement, board learning, board connections, and superintendent updates. No public comment time is scheduled, and no voting items are listed.

• Discussion on 'Engaging Our Community'
• Discussion on 'Board Learning'
• Discussion on 'Board Connections'
• Discussion on 'Superintendent Updates'

Regular Board Meeting with Public Hearing

The Bellingham School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023-24 district budget and then vote on its adoption via Resolution 22-23. The consent agenda also includes approval of July 2023 expenditures, a $318,260.68 fund transfer from capital to general fund, and several contracts for school improvements and student services.

• Adoption of 2023-24 budget with $214,646,427 in general fund expenditures, a 2.2% decrease from prior year
• Resolution 23-23 to transfer $318,260.68 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund for qualifying expenses
• Contract with Matia Contractors for garden and playfield improvements at Wade King Elementary School
• Contract with Harris Pacific Northwest to install water bottle filling stations at six elementary schools (Carl Cozier, Columbia, Cordata, Northern Heights, Roosevelt, Wade King)
• Contract with Avail Home Health, Inc. for 1:1 nursing for a student during school and bus transport in 2023-24

Special Meeting - Tour of New District Office Construction Site

This special meeting is a tour of the new District Office building at 1985 Barkley Blvd. No decisions or public comments are scheduled. The board will observe construction progress.

• Tour of new District Office construction site at 1985 Barkley Blvd., 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham Public Schools Board will approve the 2023-24 meeting schedule, a $0.50 increase to student and adult meal prices, and a transfer of $403,793.25 from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund. The meeting will be held at Options High School.

• Approval of 2023-24 Regular Meeting Schedule
• Transfer of $403,793.25 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
• Meal price increase proposal for 2023-24
• Hire appraiser for property assessment near new 15th elementary school
• Approval of phone line agreement with Zayo Enterprise Solutions

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will consider consent items including Resolution 17-23, which authorizes the issuance and sale of up to $122 million in unlimited tax general obligation bonds for facility improvements and refinancing of older bonds, potentially saving taxpayers more than $8 million. Other items include approving May expenditures, a donation, technology renewals, and joining a purchasing cooperative.

• Resolution 17-23: authorize $122M bond sale for capital projects and refinancing of 2013 bonds
• Resolution 18-23: transfer $68,156.56 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund for qualifying expenses
• Accept $17,930.75 donation from foundry10 for literacy curriculum
• Renew ParentSquare communication tool (amount not disclosed)
• Join Texas Region 8 Education Service Center's TIPS purchasing cooperative

School Board Visit - Roosevelt Elementary School

The Board of Directors will visit Roosevelt Elementary School on June 6, 2023. This is not a regular board meeting and will not include public comment. The visit is intended to observe how the school is delivering The Bellingham Promise.

• Visit to Roosevelt Elementary School at 2900 Yew Street
• No public comment or board decisions scheduled

Special Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will meet at Sunnyland Elementary to approve multiple construction and service agreements. The meeting is not a regular session and will not include public comment.

• Agreement with BNBuilders for General Contractor Construction Manager services for Elementary School #15
• Agreement with Coast to Coast Turf, Inc. for tennis court improvements at Squalicum High School and Bellingham High School
• Agreement with Swinburnson Enterprises for exterior painting at Cordata and Northern Heights Elementary Schools
• Agreement with Dykeman, Inc. for architectural services for Lowell Elementary School interior improvements
• Agreement with Stremler Gravel, Inc. for parking and circulation improvements at Cordata Elementary School

School Board Special Meeting/Student Roundtable

The Bellingham School Board will hold a special student roundtable meeting at Sunnyland Elementary to hear about the school's experience opening a new facility and navigating the pandemic. No formal decisions or public comment will occur.

• Student roundtable discussion on Sunnyland Elementary’s new school facility and pandemic experience

School Board Special Meeting

This is a special meeting of the Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors for unstructured discussion of school district initiatives, issues, and business. No public comment will be taken, and no formal votes or decisions are on the agenda.

• General discussion of school district initiatives, issues, and business
• Meeting held at The Loft, 1801 Roeder Avenue, Suite 120
• No public comment time is provided

Regular Board Meeting with Executive Session

The Bellingham School Board will meet to approve minutes, expenditures, and policy updates, including a $24,315.32 transfer of funds and a contract for HVAC work at Whatcom Middle School.

• Approval of April 2023 expenditures and payroll
• Transfer of $24,315.32 from Capital Projects to General Fund
• Policy 6957 update regarding construction change orders
• Contract amendment for Whatcom Middle School HVAC replacement
• Interlocal agreement amendment for special education services

School Board Special Meeting/Community Linkage

The Bellingham School Board will hold a special meeting focused on Special Education at Sehome High School. The session is a community linkage meeting scheduled for May 3, 2023.

• Meeting date and location: May 3, 2023, at Sehome High School, 2700 Bill McDonald Parkway
• Topic: School Board Community Linkage - Special Education
• Type: Discussion

School Board Visit - Whatcom Middle School

The Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors will visit Whatcom Middle School on May 2, 2023, to observe school operations. This is an informational visit at 810 Halleck Street and does not include a public comment period.

• Board visit to Whatcom Middle School
• Meeting at 810 Halleck Street
• No public comment period
• Informational meeting type

Regular Board Meeting and Study Session

The Bellingham Public Schools board will vote on a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including March payroll, past meeting minutes, and property easements. Staff recommends adopting Resolution 12-23 to outline anticipated certificated staffing reductions for the 2023-24 school year that align expenditures with expected revenues. The board will also approve moving $108,602.93 from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund for specific instructional services and hold a study session on dual language programs.

• Resolution 12-23 proposes anticipated certificated staffing reductions for the 2023-24 school year based on projected revenues.
• Resolution 13-23 directs a $108,602.93 transfer from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund for services including Northwest ESD ($84,449.78) and Imagine Learning ($22,032.00).
• Resolution 14-23 accepts completion of the Sunnyland Elementary School field project at a construction cost of $404,434.22.
• Board will approve foundry10 donations ranging from $1,420.00 to $39,987.84 for occupational therapy, audiology, and special education equipment.
• Modified conservation easement approved to improve vehicle circulation and student safety at Cordata Elementary School.

School Board Visit - Cordata Elementary School

This is a school board visit to Cordata Elementary School, not a regular meeting. The board will observe how the school delivers on The Bellingham Promise. No public comment or decisions will be made. The visit occurs at 7:30 a.m. on April 11, 2023.

• Board visit to Cordata Elementary School, 4420 Aldrich Road, Bellingham
• Purpose: learn how the school delivers on The Bellingham Promise
• No public comment session

School Board Special Meeting/Student Roundtable

The Bellingham School Board will hold a special meeting focused on the AVID program with students on March 29, 2023. The event is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Shuksan Middle School and will not include public comment.

• Student roundtable on AVID program
• Meeting at Shuksan Middle School (2717 Alderwood Avenue)
• No public comment time scheduled

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will meet to approve a consent agenda of routine items, including the settlement of a vaping lawsuit, the transfer of $44,917.41 in funds, and agreements with the City of Bellingham and state agencies.

• Approval of settlement in Juul litigation
• Transfer of $44,917.41 from Capital Projects to General Fund
• Modification to radio network interlocal agreement with City of Bellingham
• Restrictive covenant for early learning center at new district office
• Interlocal agreement with Department of Youth, Children and Families

School Board Candidate Informational Meeting - 5:00 p.m.

This is a special informational meeting for individuals interested in running for the Bellingham School Board. No decisions will be made; the board will present an orientation covering the Bellingham Promise, policy governance, and election basics. The filing period with the Whatcom County Auditor's Office is May 15-19.

• Filing period for fall school board election is May 15-19 with the Whatcom County Auditor's Office
• Orientation on The Bellingham Promise
• Overview of Policy Governance presented as information
• Election basics review including Q&A using the Board Handbook
• Meeting held at Options High School, 2015 Franklin St.

Special Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will convene at 1 Bellwether Way to waive competitive bidding requirements for emergency water damage repairs at Whatcom Middle School. The meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on February 24, 2023, and will not include public comment.

• Waiver of bidding for water damage repairs at Whatcom Middle School
• Meeting at 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA
• No public comment time scheduled

Special Meeting - Retreat

The Bellingham School Board of Directors will meet in a special session at the Hotel Bellwether to discuss the Board Improvement Plan, Student Voice, the Regional Skills Center, and the Superintendent's mid-year evaluation. The meeting is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. on February 24, 2023.

• Board Improvement Plan
• Student Voice
• Regional Skills Center
• Superintendent Mid-Year Evaluation and Updates
• Meeting at Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way

Regular Board Meeting

The Bellingham Public Schools Board will consider a consent agenda that includes approving meeting minutes, January 2023 expenditures and payroll, a $12,320 donation of 44 VariDesks, a $52,846.05 fund transfer, and a resolution declaring intent to build Elementary School #15. Additional items include compliance with RCW 39.10, hiring appraisers for a potential property sale, and a narrative appraisal for an alley vacation at Columbia Elementary. All items are presented for approval by a single motion under the board's consent agenda process.

• Approve minutes from Jan. 18, Feb. 1 (Special), Feb. 1 (Student Roundtable), and Feb. 7 meetings
• Approve January 2023 expenditures and payroll (details in attached summaries)
• Accept SPIE donation of 44 VariDesks valued at $12,320
• Transfer $52,846.05 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund (Resolution 05-23)
• Declare intent to construct Elementary School #15 (Resolution 06-23, bond‑funded)

School Board Visit - Bellingham Family Partnership Program

This is a school board visit to the Bellingham Family Partnership Program, not a regular meeting. No public comment or decisions are scheduled. The board will observe the school's delivery of The Bellingham Promise.

• Board visit to Bellingham Family Partnership Program at 1409 18th Street, Bellingham
• Visit scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on February 7, 2023
• No public comment time or regular board business

Special Meeting

The Bellingham School Board will meet at Options High School to adopt a resolution changing the dates of the remaining regular meetings for the 2022-23 school year. The meeting will not include public comment time.

• Resolution 4-23 to modify 2022-23 regular meeting schedule
• Meeting at Options High School, 2015 Franklin Street
• No public comment time scheduled

School Board Special Meeting/Student Roundtable

The school board will hold a student roundtable to discuss the GRADS (Graduation, Reality and Dual-role Skills) program. This is a special meeting without public comment. No decisions are expected; it is an information and discussion session.

• Student roundtable on GRADS program
• Location: Options High School, 2015 Franklin Street, Bellingham
• No public comment time
• Special meeting, not a regular board meeting

Regular Board Meeting

The school board is reviewing several consent agenda items including the final acceptance of two elementary school rebuild projects. The meeting also includes discussions on fund transfers, a new district office change order, and various grant agreements.

• Acceptance of Alderwood Elementary School rebuild project ($24,768,950.84)
• Acceptance of Parkview Elementary School rebuild project ($22,219,735.10)
• Transfer of $52,431.37 from Capital Projects Fund to General Fund
• Washington State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facility Grant ($437,760.00)
• Department of Ecology Integrated Planning Grant Agreement ($200,000.00)