BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Bellingham School District is joining other districts around the state in planning for some painful cuts next year.

Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker said in a message to families that increasing costs, declining enrollment and the loss of COVID relief funds are forcing a budget cut of about $16 million.

He says they have worked reducing staff through attrition this school year and have reduced executive and assistant staffing at the district office.

Maintenance, custodial and other support staff have been cut, as have budgets for supplies, materials and travel.

Teacher reductions next year will likely lead to larger class sizes, fees and meal costs will increase and there will be fewer field trips.

Contrary to rumors, arts and music programs will not be cut but there will be adjustments to programs.

The superintendent’s statement is accessible on BPS’s website and an FAQ page about the budget and proposed cuts is available here.