Dear students, staff, families and community,
We are developing our budget for the next school year, and I have engaged a budget committee to help and give feedback in this process. To be transparent, we are facing a major challenge unless the legislature addresses their responsibility to fully fund education. This is not just a Mount Baker issue. It has been the main topic of discussion in meetings with Superintendents in our State and County. Unless this issue is addressed in the legislature, Mount Baker is facing a $3 Million budget cut. This will increase class sizes and cut important programs that support our students.
There are several contributing factors to our budget challenges:
- End of COVID specific federal funding
- Increasing costs for resources and compensation
- Levy lids
- Decline in student enrollment
We will strive to make budget decisions based on our strategic plan, data, and what is best for students. If you are so inclined, you might want to contact legislators that represent our District to share your input on education funding. Here is a link to contact your legislators.
Congratulations to Mt. Baker FFA for placing 1st at the Ag Mechanics contest Monday, January 23. Case Heutink was 1st, Kelsi Anderson was 2nd, Merrick Kelley was 9th, and Jordin Sande was 13th. Also competing were Jace Gauf, Anthony Flones, Wyatt Freeman, and Brodey Somerville. Six teams and 53 individuals participated.
January 27 is Coaches vs Cancer Night. Mount Baker Girls’ Basketball Team will host Bellingham High School. The ASB will be selling t-shirts designed by Tempest Heiner for $20.00 each. In addition, they will be accepting straight cash donations. The money raised will go to Bellingham's PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center.
I would also like to acknowledge that Monday, January 23 marked Treaty Day. We thank our Nooksack Tribe and Lummi Nation for their enduring care of our lands and waterways. We value their contributions to our school community!
Sincerely,
Mary Sewright, Superintendent
msewright@mtbaker.wednet.edu
(360) 617-4600