Teacher reductions, larger classes likely at Bellingham Schools due to $16M budget cut
Bellingham Public Schools announced Friday, April 21 that $16 million in budget cuts would impact staffing, resources and class sizes for the 2023-24 school year.
Superintendent Greg Baker cited the loss of federal COVID funding, increased costs and decreased enrollment as primary reasons for the cuts.
“Behind the numbers are people’s livelihoods and their very important contributions. These proposed budget cuts will deeply affect the lives of some of our staff and our students. We do not take this budget work lightly,” Baker wrote in the announcement.
The budget cuts are expected to impact the district at all levels, with adjustments to staffing ratios, including administrative assistants, paraeducators and Special Education staff. To prepare, the district has already been prioritizing attrition opportunities this year.
Staff members on “provisional contracts” are more likely than others to be notified that a job will not be available for them next year.
Elementary cuts
Elementary schools will see reductions in classroom teachers and increased class sizes for the 4th and 5th grades. Some specialist positions, including deans, literacy and math specialists, instructional coaches and library media specialists will also be reduced, but not eliminated, according to the district.
More staff members are also expected to be shared across multiple schools and elementary school students will no longer have world language classes.
Secondary cuts
Grades six through 12 will be hit mostly by a reduction in classroom teachers and subsequently higher class sizes. Middle school elective opportunities are also expected to be “refined,” with some specialists, such as library media specialists, instructional coaches and athletics and activities coordinators, teaching courses.
District cuts
District Office positions have been reduced, including two executives, three directors and administrative assistants. Warehouse, electrician, maintenance, custodial, carpenter and facility rental positions have also been reduced.
Budgets have also been cut for supplies, materials and travel for staff professional development at all levels, according to the announcement.
Increasing fees
To partially address the budget cuts, the district also plans to increase fees and plan for additional advertising and grant opportunities.
Minimal charges for yearbooks will be adjusted and field trips will be reduced at all levels. Funds from the technology capital levy and bond will be reallocated to support particular expenses.
The cost of full pay and adult school meals will be increased by $0.50 along with the cost of daily childcare.
The official budget is expected to be finalized over the coming months, according to Baker. Those with questions or comments can fill out the district’s 2023-2024 Budget Spring Feedback form.
