BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Multiple investigations into student misconduct are underway at Mount Baker School District.
In an email to families and staff on Monday, Feb. 9, Superintendent Jessica Schenck said the district opened an investigation into reports of student misconduct at Harmony Elementary last September.
An independent investigation then ensued and is ongoing.
As part of the standard procedure for this investigation, Schenck said Harmony Elementary principal Todd Matthews was placed on administrative leave.
According to Schenck, few details on the investigation are publicly available as the parties involved are minors.
Schenk wanted to note that some social media posts have mischaracterized the investigation, highlighting that staff were not under suspicion for inappropriate behavior.
“I want to be clear that this issue and the associated investigation center on student behavior and the district’s response to this student behavior. The reference to inappropriate behavior does not involve a staff member interacting inappropriately with a student,” Schenck said in an email to My Bellingham Now.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater confirmed they opened their own investigation on Jan. 22 but could not share further details.
A social media post made last week called for parents to keep their children home from Mount Baker schools on Friday, Feb. 6 in protest.
A prominent billboard on the side of Mount Baker Highway also had a message calling for accountability at the district to keep children safe but was changed this week.
