Bellingham School District 501

This document outlines the process, deliberations, and recommendations of the High School Schedule Work Group 2026. The primary objective is to transition from an eight-period to a seven-period high school schedule for fall 2026 to address an impending district budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. Key recommendations include implementing a CCABC mixed-block schedule with specific period lengths, dedicated advisory time for intervention and High School and Beyond Planning, and a weekly early dismissal. The plan also considers logistical aspects such as staffing, lunch periods, and ensuring alignment with Options High School.

The board held a community linkage meeting focused on the Community Transitions program. The discussion included an overview of the program and an update on the construction of a new facility on the Whatcom Community College campus. Participants engaged in small group conversations to share feedback regarding their experiences with the program, suggestions for improvement, the importance of mentorship and vocational partnerships, transition processes from high school, and the benefits of the program's environment for students and families.

The meeting included a project update and a review of feedback from the previous session. The committee evaluated various design schemes for the school site, which explored different building orientations, placements, and site access configurations. Participants engaged in a small group charette activity to assess site options and provide improvement suggestions. Future meeting dates were also noted.

The community meeting provided a comprehensive update on the Carl Cozier Elementary School rebuild project. Key discussion topics included the project scope, educational specification process, site charette feedback, and partnership initiatives with the City of Bellingham. The presentation outlined project goals, building design requirements, budget and scheduling parameters, and site development options. The session also addressed frequently asked questions regarding the new facility, such as expected capacity, square footage, and project timelines.

The committee reviewed revised site plans for the Carl Cozier Elementary School project. Architects presented two consolidated schemes based on prior feedback, focusing on improved entrance visibility and circulation. The committee evaluated both options and decided to present both plans at an upcoming community meeting to gather further public input before making a final recommendation.