KGMI News
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – One student died and three others were injured in a shooting at Freeman High School near Spokane.
The shootings hit close to home for Bellingham Schools Superintendent Greg Baker.
Baker grew up in Spokane and once worked with current Freeman Superintendent Randy Russell.
Baker said as a parent and superintendent, student safety is always on his mind.
This year’s budget has put a greater focus on the emotional health and wellness of students. “For the first time in I don’t know how many years [Bellingham School District] increased counselors at all of our middle and high schools,” Baker said.
More safety upgrades are proposed in the next bond. “We’ve increased safety of our buildings,” Baker said. “We’ve been able to increase communication to emergency responders,” including setting up cameras and security systems to which emergency responders would have “instant access,” Baker said.
Baker said Bellingham schools also have a district resource officer from the Bellingham Police Department. The officer is armed, in uniform and works full time to support all the district’s schools.