A Message from Superintendent Greg Baker

Three of our assistant principals have been involved in a legal process regarding mandatory reporting, and I want to share an update.

We are pleased that, after review of all of the evidence in this case, the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s has reached a resolution and will be dismissing all charges against the three Bellingham Public Schools staff charged in this matter, following completion of additional Title IX training.

We continue to believe that our staff acted in good faith to protect and support a student, and that the specific information they received did not require a mandatory report.

Our assistant principals have been working in their respective schools all year, supporting students, families and staff, and they continuously demonstrate that they are caring, hard-working professionals.

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we will continue to provide training to all Bellingham Public Schools staff, so they can provide appropriate responses when students report sexual misconduct or assault, and other forms of abuse and neglect. We know the importance of believing and listening to students and survivors and taking action right away to support them.

We continue to strengthen our relationships and processes with law enforcement, the state Department of Children, Youth and Family, survivor advocates and community partners.