Bellingham's school board may vote Nov. 12 on closing two elementary schools
What happened: Bellingham Public Schools is considering closing Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools after this school year.
The superintendent recommended it Sept. 29. The school board makes the final decision.
The district expects about 1,000 fewer elementary students across its 14 schools from 2018 to 2028. That is a 20% drop.
State money follows the number of students, so fewer students means less money.
The district says closing the two schools would save about $2.2 million.
Starting August 2027, Columbia students would go to Alderwood. Carl Cozier students would split between Sunnyland and Wade King.
The district would keep both buildings in case enrollment rises again.
The board held public hearings Nov. 2 and 3. Some speakers asked how money from the 2022 school bond was spent, KGMI reported.
What's next: the board could vote as soon as its Nov. 12 meeting, KGMI reported. The district has not posted a vote date The Tally can read.