Opinion - Whatcom View

POSTED: Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

Superintendent thanks city, community, asks for patience

On behalf of the Bellingham School Board and staff, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of community support that we have received since the tragic Whatcom Middle School fire. We have been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of businesses, non-profits and individuals from Whatcom County. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the city of Bellingham's fire department, police department and public works department, Whatcom Emergency Management, the American Red Cross and others for their responses.

In times of crisis, it is important for all of us to pull together. We are grateful for the courage and resilience that our students, families and staff have demonstrated.

After the initial shock of the fire, we immediately shifted our focus to support our students and staff in returning to class as quickly as possible. We received many ideas and feedback from staff, parents and community members about where and how to relocate Whatcom students. We considered all of the ideas and possibilities and then focused on what we could accomplish immediately.

Our main goal was to keep as many students together as possible, and with their same teachers. We heard from many Whatcom students and parents that this was their priority and we wanted to honor that, if possible. Because we needed space immediately that was ready for students to learn, we decided that the best solution for their return to classes on Thursday, Nov. 12, was to relocate them within district facilities that had available space. We believe that this will provide needed consistency for students and staff.

Another consideration was to minimize the impact that the relocation may have on all other students, families and staff throughout the district. There were many other factors to consider including transportation, special learning needs, food services, furniture and supplies and instructional resources.

Please know that we want to do what is best for all of our students and staff in this challenging situation. Once Whatcom students are settled, we can make adjustments as necessary. This will allow us to focus on working with our community in the future on long-term planning for Whatcom while we keep the rest of the district up and running - and our students learning.

We have more questions than answers at this time. Please know that our district staff are working tirelessly and creatively to resolve issues as they arise.

We recognize that our community has many unanswered questions about the fate of the Whatcom Middle School building as well as future plans for Whatcom students. Many generations of community members have connections and fond memories associated with Whatcom. We, too, are anxious for structural engineers to determine what will be feasible regarding its reconstruction. Our School Board has expressed a desire to rebuild Whatcom, if possible. Time will tell.

As Sir Winston Churchill once said, "It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required." I am proud of the work that has been accomplished so far in response to this extraordinary situation and we will continue to work together and share more information with our community.

Sherrie Brown is acting superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools.