4-12-2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Schools continue to craft a budget outline while awaiting more information from Olympia.
Superintendent Greg Baker says uncertainty about funding while the legislature is still in session leaves many unknowns, but they’re preparing to make some reductions in staff and programs.
He says increased health care costs, state mandates on employee pay and reduced levy income are guiding the planning process.
He emphasizes that any reductions would begin at the district office, then for non-employee expenses and then for school support positions.
But Baker says they don’t expect as many reductions as first projected, and they’re still confident lawmakers will continue to invest in public education.