Bellingham Will Host Hearings on School Closures
Families can weigh in on proposed plans to close two elementary schools following years of budget and enrollment shifts.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Administration
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Bellingham Public Schools will hold public hearings on November 2 and November 3, 2026, to discuss the potential closure of Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools. The proposal follows four consecutive years of declining enrollment and budget cuts within the district.
Why it matters
The district aims to generate $2.2 million in savings to preserve staff and programs, a move that could significantly reshape local family logistics and school boundaries for affected neighborhoods. The plan has drawn scrutiny, with the Bellingham Neighborhood Schools Coalition questioning the underlying data.
The district targets $2.2 million in annual savings through the closures of Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools. This proposal addresses a pattern of enrollment drops and budget adjustments spanning four years.
The players
Greg Baker
The Superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools who recommended the closure of the two elementary schools.
Bellingham Neighborhood Schools Coalition
An advocacy group that is challenging the district's statistics and analysis regarding the proposed school closures.
The details
Superintendent Greg Baker proposed the closures to stabilize the district budget. If approved, the district plans to redraw school attendance boundaries by August 2027, with students from Carl Cozier potentially moving to Sunnyland and Wade King elementary schools. Community members can submit feedback before the board reaches a final decision, which is expected in approximately three weeks.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: District announced scheduled public hearings.
October 15, 2026: School board study session to examine data.
November 2, 2026: Public hearing for Columbia Elementary School.
November 3, 2026: Public hearing for Carl Cozier Elementary School.
August 2027: New school boundaries would take effect.
The Home Front
This proposal reflects a multi-year trend of enrollment drops and fiscal tightening that has forced school districts to re-evaluate their physical footprints. These shifts directly impact household logistics, including commute times and neighborhood school assignments.
Families affected by these potential changes should plan to attend the hearings at the district office from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. You can also provide feedback through the district's Listening Post or by email before the board makes its final decision.
The takeaway
School closures often trigger significant shifts in neighborhood school assignments and community logistics. If you live in an affected area, check the district's official communication channels to participate in the public comment process before the final board vote.
What happens next
The school board is expected to make a final decision on the proposed school closures in approximately three weeks.
Further reading
Learn more about local school district operations on the Administration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
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