A Message from Superintendent Greg Baker

Dear Carl Cozier families,

I am delighted to announce that starting today, Carissa Jangard will be the new principal of Carl Cozier. Tom Gresham had shared in early August with Cozier staff and families that at some point this school year, he would be transitioning back to the District Office as director of teaching and learning to support student services, and that Ms. Jangard would be stepping up as principal.

Ms. Jangard has been the dean of students at Cozier since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a social and emotional intervention specialist at Cordata Elementary for two years and as a Special Education teacher at both Wade King and Cordata for three years. Before coming to Bellingham Public Schools, Ms. Jangard began her career teaching kindergarten and Special Education in Anacortes.

Ms. Jangard earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in literacy from Western Washington University. She received her national board certification in 2010.

As dean, Ms. Jangard has developed a leadership style that is grounded in relationships. She leads in service of others and takes her time to engage with and know people, their strengths and how to support them. She has developed many strong relationships with students, staff and families over her time at Cozier with her approachable and caring style.

I want to express my thanks and gratitude to Mr. Gresham for his leadership at Cozier last school year and for helping with the transition with Ms. Jangard. Please join me in wishing both Ms. Jangard and Mr. Gresham all the best in their roles.

Greg Baker