Facilities Projects
Thank you to voters who approved a 2006 bond to fund several capital projects, including these:
- New Shuksan Middle School, opened fall 2009
- Seismic work for earthquake safety at Columbia, Larrabee, and Lowell elementary schools, completed
- Seismic work for earthquake safety at Central Services Roeder building, pending
- Cordata Elementary School, groundbreaking and construction begins June 2010
- Property purchase for future elementary school in Sudden Valley, pending new development regulations
- General ongoing facilities improvements, in progress
Funding for school construction, facility improvements, and property purchases comes from a capital projects funds. This is separate from the district's general fund and by law, cannot be used for day-to-day operations or to address budget shortfalls. Funding for staffing to operate schools comes from the district's general fund.
Enrollment Update, Fall 2009
The Bellingham School District has approximately 10,590 students enrolled, about 80 more than last year. Elementary enrollment continues to grow, as indicated by the increase of 51 students; middle school enrollment increased by 48 students; and high schools decreased by 16. Twelve schools in the district experienced an enrollment increase between 2008 and 2009. State funding for our district is determined by calculating the average of student full-time equivalent enrollment for the months of September 2009 through May 2010. We estimate actual enrollment for the year will slightly exceed budget projections.
