As the school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my first year as superintendent of the Mount Baker School District. It has been a year filled with learning, relationship-building, celebrations, challenges, and countless opportunities to see what makes this community special.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of visiting classrooms, attending performances and athletic events, meeting with staff and families, and getting to know our students. What has stood out most is the deep commitment people have to one another and to the success of our schools. Whether it is a teacher supporting a struggling student, a volunteer giving their time, a parent advocating for their child, or community members stepping up to help, the strength of Mount Baker has always been its people.
This year has also reminded us that public education continues to face significant challenges. Like many school districts across Washington, Mount Baker is grappling with declining enrollment, rising costs, and a funding system that has not kept pace with the realities schools face today. These challenges require us to make difficult decisions about staffing, programs, and resources.
No one enters education because they enjoy making cuts or reducing services. These decisions affect people we care about and programs we value. Yet one of the responsibilities of leadership is ensuring that the district remains financially stable and positioned for long-term success. That means making thoughtful changes today so we can continue providing strong educational opportunities for students tomorrow.
While the work ahead will not always be easy, I remain optimistic. Throughout this year, I have seen firsthand how the Mount Baker community responds when faced with challenges. People come together. They listen, problem-solve, support one another, and keep students at the center of the conversation. That spirit gives me confidence that we will navigate the road ahead successfully.
I also believe we have many reasons for excitement. This year, hundreds of community members helped shape our new strategic plan, creating a shared vision for the future of our schools. We continue to see remarkable accomplishments from our students in classrooms, on athletic fields, on stages, and in service to their community. Those successes remind us why this work matters.
As we look ahead to next year, there will be changes. There will be difficult conversations. But there will also be opportunities to strengthen our systems, focus our resources, and build an even stronger future for Mount Baker students.
Thank you for welcoming me into this community and for your partnership throughout my first year. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent, and I look forward to the work we will continue to do together. Go Baker!
- Superintendent Jessica Schenck
