A Message from Superintendent Dr. James Everett
I am excited to share with you that OSPI has granted approval for Meridian School District to host a new core campus skills center that will serve juniors and seniors in the region.
This brings us one step closer to providing additional education opportunities and pathways for all high school students in Whatcom County and beyond. The approval includes the following core programs in the first phase to be established in fall 2026: early childhood education, fire science, welding, pre-nursing and aviation. Skills centers are a valuable resource that allow students to gain college credit, industry-recognized credentials and industry-specific training while still being enrolled in their home high schools.
Our current proposal would also bring an early learning center to Meridian which would expand student opportunities and also provide child care for up to 120 children from birth to age five. Currently, there is a shortage of early childhood learning and care staff across the state, and in particular, in rural Whatcom County. We are hoping to launch the early learning center for fall 2026.
The process of bringing a skills center to Whatcom County is complex with layers of state legislative approval and funding. We envision 12 to 16 total programs in the core skills center. We know our community cares deeply about providing technical and trades training for our students, and bringing a skills center to our region will transform the career, workforce and economic opportunities for our students.
If you’d like to learn more about the proposed Whatcom County Skills Center and Whatcom Early Learning Center visit our website.
Thank you for your support!
Dr. James Everett
Superintendent