BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham Public Schools is moving forward with a pair of school closures.

BPS Superintendent Greg Baker announced on Tuesday, Sept. 29, that he’s recommending the district close and repurpose Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools for the 2027-28 school year.

The decision is still pending final approval from the school board.

Starting in August 2027, current Carl Cozier students would attend Sunnyland and Wade King elementary schools. Columbia students would attend Alderwood Elementary.

According to the district, Columbia’s low enrollment will allow those current students to stay together in their move to a new school, while Carl Cozier has a larger enrollment that requires students to split up.

Baker’s announcement follows a facilities planning task recommendation in May that the district close and repurpose the two buildings. He says the move would save about $2.2 million, which would help the district avoid staff and program cuts amid four straight years of budget cuts and declining enrollment.

You can view a map of the new school boundaries on the BPS website.

This story will continue to be updated.