The Department of Finance provides business and finance services for the school district. The department is responsible for all non-instructional activities of the district including budgeting, accounting, purchasing, payroll, levies and bonds and risk management/insurance.

Budget

Ϻ’ budget is prepared in accordance with the laws and legal requirements of the school district board, Washington state and the federal government. The budget is a moral document that expresses how the school district will direct limited resources to achieve the goals described in The Bellingham Promise, our strategic plan.

Visit the budget for current and historical budget information and ASB reports.

Business Services

Accounting (360-676-6428)

Accounting performs the following functions in support of district operations including recording district financial transactions, oversight of receipt and deposit of cash throughout the district, fiscal reporting and much more. Accounting provides timely and accurate disbursement of payments to vendors and reimbursements to employees and is also responsible for coordinating employee travel and creating invoices for external and internal customers.

ARP ESSER Spending Plans

Purchasing (360-676-6543)

Purchasing provides the necessary materials, supplies, and equipment to perform the district responsibility, education of our students. With the exception of books, the manner in which we procure furniture, supplies, equipment, building improvements or repairs, or other work or purchases for the district must be in compliance with RCW 28A.335.190. You can review our terms and conditions for billing and shipping.

Payroll (360-676-5009)

Payroll is dedicated to providing accurate and timely paychecks and other comprehensive payroll-related services to all employees of Ϻ. Payroll is a service-oriented office whose goal is to assist employees with payroll/benefits questions and resolve problems.

Employees and prospective employees may access payroll and benefit information via the Employee Benefits webpage.

Risk Management

Risk Management focuses on providing a safe environment for students and staff by assessing, minimizing and preventing accidental loss to the district. Risk Management is responsible for the following areas:

  • Coordinating workers’ compensation claims through the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)
  • Supporting and assisting injured employees in the processing of their claims and in safe and timely return to work
  • Investigating and preventing employee and student accidents
  • Conducting/coordinating various employee safety training
  • Analyzing risk associated with employee and student activities
  • Processing district liability, property, auto and student accident insurance claims
  • Member of the Occupational Safety and Accident Prevention Committee

Ϻ will have all workers’ compensation claims handled by the State Department of Labor and Industries.

Voluntary student accident insurance is available for families who choose to purchase in the 2023-24 school year.

Concussion Information:

The Zachery Lystedt Law was signed by Governor Gregoire on July 26, 2009 directing the education of coaches, players and parents on the recognition and management of concussions as well as establishing return to play protocol for all youth athletes suspected of or having a concussion or brain injury. For more information about concussions and concussion management guidelines, visit the. You can also download a copy of the Concussion information sheet which is required for district sports activities.

For questions contact Julie Goodwin, risk management at 360-676-6522.

Kathryn Weilage
Chief Financial Officer

Julie Goodwin
Executive Administrative Assistant
360-676-6522

Navie La Tray
Accounting Manager
360-676-6529


Budget

Interlocal Agreements

Levies and Bonds