Social media speculation prompts statement from Bellingham Public Schools

Concerns over school closures and building tours led to Tuesday's statement.

My Bellingham NowDave WalkerCarl Cozier Elementary School was recommended for closure by the task force in May.

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Speculation over school closures has prompted clarification from Whatcom County’s largest school district.

Bellingham Public Schools says that some building tours were recently given to organizations.

However, they emphasized that none of its buildings are currently available for lease or sale.

The statement came in response to community concerns on social media over a private religious organization taking over a shuttered school building.

My Bellingham Now previously reported on a task force’s recommendation that the district should close two elementary schools in light of declining enrollment and a budget deficit.

Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker later confirmed the district would not be closing any buildings ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.

Bellingham Public Schools noted in their most recent statement that if a building were to shut down, they’d institute a process to fill the space with full transparency.