Bellingham Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Kathryn Weilage, the Chief Financial Officer at Bellingham Public Schools, directs all fiscal operations and financial planning for the district. This leadership role involves managing budgets, ensuring financial compliance, and optimizing resource allocation to support educational initiatives. Weilage oversees the financial health of the district, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to financial reporting, grant management, and the development of long-term financial strategies that align with The Bellingham Promise. By maintaining fiscal responsibility, Kathryn Weilage ensures that financial resources effectively support the district's mission of providing a comprehensive educational experience and fostering student success across all programs, including special education and career technical education. This executive ensures the district's financial stability and operational efficiency.

Anika Bartlett, the President at Bellingham Public Schools, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire district. This role involves guiding the implementation of The Bellingham Promise, ensuring alignment across all departments and initiatives to foster student success and community engagement. Bartlett collaborates closely with the School Board and other administrative leaders to set educational policy and operational standards. The President's responsibilities encompass fostering a positive and effective learning environment, championing the district's mission, and representing Bellingham Public Schools within the broader community. Anika Bartlett drives the vision for educational excellence, overseeing the delivery of comprehensive programs from early childhood through high school, including specialized services for diverse student populations. This executive leadership ensures the district's strategic objectives are met.

Douglas Benjamin, the School Board President at Bellingham Public Schools, presides over the governing body responsible for district oversight and policy development. This leadership position involves guiding board meetings, ensuring adherence to governance best practices, and championing the district's strategic plan, The Bellingham Promise. Benjamin works to ensure accountability and transparency in district operations, representing the interests of students, families, and the Bellingham community. The School Board President's role is critical in setting the educational vision and approving budgets that support comprehensive student programs, including special education and career technical education. Douglas Benjamin facilitates the board's collective decision-making, ensuring that all policies and actions directly contribute to fostering student success and character development. This executive guides the board's strategic direction.

Thomas Venable, the Bellingham Administrative Association President at Bellingham Public Schools, advocates for the professional interests and development of administrative staff. This role involves representing administrators in discussions regarding policies, working conditions, and professional growth opportunities that impact the delivery of educational services. Venable collaborates with district leadership to ensure administrative perspectives are considered in strategic planning and operational decisions. The Bellingham Administrative Association President's focus is on fostering an environment where administrators can effectively lead their respective departments and support student success. Thomas Venable plays a key part in ensuring that administrative functions align with The Bellingham Promise, contributing to the district's commitment to character development and community engagement. This leadership ensures administrative support for the district's educational mission.

Kurt Gazow, the Chief Technology Officer at Bellingham Public Schools, architects and executes the district's technology strategy. This involves overseeing all aspects of IT infrastructure, digital learning platforms, and cybersecurity measures to support a robust educational environment. Gazow drives innovation in educational technology, ensuring that students and staff have access to the tools necessary for effective learning and engagement. The Chief Technology Officer's purview includes managing technology budgets, implementing new systems, and providing technical support across the district. By enhancing digital capabilities, Kurt Gazow directly supports the district's commitment to student success and character development, ensuring technology serves as a powerful enabler for diverse learning needs, including multilingual learners and special education services. This leadership ensures technological advancement aligns with the district's strategic goals.