Bellingham Public Schools
Superintendent
Meet Dr. Baker
Dr. Greg Baker became superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools in July 2010. During his first year, he prioritized partnering with staff, students, families and our community to develop The Bellingham Promise, a living document serving as the district’s strategic plan, a plan that continues to guide the work of our school district every day.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Dr. Baker was named the 2020 Washington State Superintendent of the Year by the Washington Association of School Administrators. He was also awarded the 2014 Washington state Crystal Apple Award, in recognition of his commitment to inclusive and transparent communications and The Bellingham Promise.
Prior to leading in Bellingham, he served as a deputy superintendent for Portland Public Schools, as an intern and special assistant to the superintendent of Boston Public Schools and as an administrator for Spokane Public Schools. He began his career in Alaska as a teacher and assistant coach. Dr. Baker earned his doctorate from Harvard University; a master’s degree in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University; a master’s degree in secondary education from Western Washington University; and a bachelor’s degree with distinction from Gonzaga University. He and his wife live in Bellingham with their three children, who attend or are alumni of Bellingham Public Schools.
Contact Information
Dr. Greg Baker
Superintendent
Sheri O’Day
Executive Administrative Assistant
(360) 676-6501
Entry Plan
Dr. Greg Baker engaged students, families, staff and community members in numerous discussions about our schools’ strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement through his “Listening and Learning” Entry Plan since he started as our new superintendent in July 2010.
Watch an 8-minute video of Dr. Baker sharing his Entry Plan learnings in January 2011. You can view Dr. Baker’s presentation at Bellingham High School on Jan. 27, 2011.
Recognitions
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Dr. Baker joined the National P-3 Center advisory board. Members of the board reflect the Center’s mission: to improve the education continuum children experience from birth (Pre-school) through 3rd grade. Advisory board members have expertise within and across research, practice, and policy. They bring experience at organization- and system-level redesign, always informed by children’s classroom experiences.
Dr. Baker accepted the annual Distinguished Service Award from the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association (WTSEA) on Oct. 12. This award honors a non-teacher—for example, an administrator, legislator or program director—whose work supports traffic safety education (TSE) in our state.
Dr. Baker was named the state’s 2020 superintendent of the year by the Washington Association of School Administrators in November 2019. The award recognizes outstanding leadership of active, front-line superintendents and pays tribute to those who lead Washington’s public schools.
Dr. Baker was honored by the Rotary Club of Bellingham with the Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Award.
Dr. Baker received an award of merit in the category of Publications and Electronic Media from the National School Public Relations Association for his video, Walking in the Shoes of…
Dr. Baker received recognition for his blog from the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA). His blog earned Best in Category at the 2015 awards ceremony.
Dr. Baker was recognized by MomsRising in June 2014 for his work in developing an innovative kindergarten transition program and his dedication to Washington’s littlest learners. Learn more about early childhood education in Bellingham Public Schools.
The Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) awarded Superintendent Baker with the Crystal Apple Award. Dr. Baker received this honor in recognition of his commitment to inclusive and transparent communications and The Bellingham Promise.