BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The fate of two controversial school closures in Bellingham will likely be decided this week.

Bellingham Public Schools’ board of directors is expected to hold a final vote on whether to close Columbia and Carl Cozier elementary schools at their meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12.

The board held two public hearings last week, where parents and students vented their frustrations over the potential closures.

Dozens of students also walked out on Nov. 2 to protest outside of the district office.

The school board’s vote comes after a facilities planning task force and superintendent Greg Baker each recommended the closures.

They cite a lack of adequate state funding and declining enrollment as major drivers for the decision.

Thursday’s board meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the district office on Barkley Boulevard and is open to the public.