Bellingham Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Kathryn Weilage, the Chief Financial Officer at Bellingham Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire district. Weilage directs the budgeting process to ensure that funds support the core mission of providing high-quality educational experiences from early childhood through high school. By overseeing the distribution of resources for special education and career technical programs, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required for long-term academic success. Kathryn Weilage collaborates with the board to align expenditures with the strategic goals outlined in The Bellingham Promise. This leadership role involves monitoring state funding trends and local tax levies to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on student learning. Through rigorous oversight of district accounts, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees transparency and accountability to the Bellingham community. Financial planning remains a priority for Weilage, ensuring that the district sustains its commitment to diverse student needs while maintaining operational efficiency across all regional facilities.

Anika Bartlett, the President at Bellingham Public Schools, leads the board in setting the strategic direction and policy framework for the entire district. Bartlett facilitates community engagement initiatives that strengthen the connection between families and the educational system. By presiding over board meetings, the President ensures that all decisions reflect the core values of The Bellingham Promise and prioritize student success. Anika Bartlett collaborates with district leadership to evaluate the effectiveness of programs ranging from early childhood education to high school career pathways. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the broader Bellingham community while maintaining a focus on equitable outcomes for all students. Through the establishment of clear governance standards, the President drives the district toward achieving its long-term academic and character development goals. Bartlett maintains a commitment to transparency, ensuring that the board remains responsive to the needs of students and families while overseeing the implementation of district-wide policies that foster a supportive learning environment.

Thomas Venable, the Bellingham Administrative Association President at Bellingham Public Schools, coordinates the professional development and operational alignment of the district's leadership team. Venable directs the association's efforts to support administrators in executing the strategic goals defined by The Bellingham Promise. By fostering collaboration among school leaders, the Bellingham Administrative Association President ensures that the district maintains a consistent focus on student success and character development. Thomas Venable manages the professional standards and advocacy for the administrative staff, promoting a culture of excellence across all educational programs. This role involves bridging the gap between district-level policy and school-level implementation to ensure that multilingual learning and special education services reach every student effectively. Through the promotion of leadership growth, the Bellingham Administrative Association President strengthens the overall capacity of the district to serve the Bellingham community. Venable drives initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ensuring that all administrative functions support the overarching mission of providing a comprehensive educational experience.

Kurt Gazow, the Chief Technology Officer at Bellingham Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern classroom learning and administrative operations. Gazow drives the implementation of secure network systems that support multilingual learning tools and specialized educational software across the district. By managing the integration of hardware and cloud-based platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and families access essential resources seamlessly. Kurt Gazow coordinates with instructional leaders to align technological investments with the pedagogical goals of The Bellingham Promise. This role involves protecting sensitive student data while expanding digital equity throughout the community. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the overall educational experience and supports the district's commitment to character development. Gazow maintains a focus on future-proofing the district's technical capabilities, ensuring that all schools remain equipped to meet the evolving demands of a 21st-century learning environment while fostering innovation in every classroom.