A Message from Superintendent Greg Baker
Bellingham Public Schools takes seriously our duty to protect and care for all students, and we are committed to standing with victims and survivors of any type of sexual misconduct, harassment or assault.
We are aware there is a lawsuit against the district, and these types of allegations are upsetting.
Many of our staff are parents, and we deeply understand the gravity of this subject.
We鈥檙e not able to provide many details on these incidents due to student privacy laws and the pending litigation. We can share that staff work closely with students and families involved using our policies and procedures, as well as law enforcement and DCYF to report incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect.
This situation is sensitive and complex. We understand the community鈥檚 concerns, and we are sorry that we are unable to provide additional information.
What kind of training do BPS staff receive for mandatory reporting and sexual harassment? 听
Our staff are trained in several ways for mandatory reporting.
- Every fall, prior to the first day of school, our staff review certain laws and policies, including those related to mandatory reporting and sexual harassment.
- Our staff are required to complete online trainings on a variety of safety and education topics through a third party called . Our human resources department sends information to staff annually and tracks staff participation/compliance in these trainings. Two of the trainings required for employees are 25-minute trainings entitled 鈥淏ullying: Recognition & Response鈥 and 鈥淐hild Abuse: Mandatory Reporting.鈥
- All administrators receive annual Title IX training.
- All new employees review mandatory reporting laws, and policies and sexual harassment laws and policies. All new employees receive the same annual trainings assigned to all district staff.
Why can鈥檛 we share more information about this case?
We honor confidentiality as well as a fair and neutral process moving forward. We are not able to share more information about this incident. Please see this Q and A for more information about student privacy and discipline.
What district policies and procedures exist regarding mandatory reporting and sexual harassment?
We annually notify students, parents, staff, and the community about existing policies and procedures regarding mandatory reporting and sexual harassment. Please see the below policies and procedures for more information.
Policy 3421 (Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Prevention)
Procedure 3421P (Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Prevention)
Policy 3205 (Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited)
Procedure 3205P (Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited)