An Introduction Letter from Interim Superintendent Mike Stromme

To the Lynden community:

I was excited when the opportunity to join Lynden Schools came about. And now, just a few weeks into the role as your Lynden Schools interim superintendent, I am even more ecstatic to serve and be part of a community full of students, families and staff working to create an environment dedicated to educating our children.

While I am busy familiarizing myself with the operations of the school district and its projects, all while preparing for the fall 2021 return to school, I am also thoroughly appreciating learning about the community, exploring the area and meeting new people.

This summer we are focused on multiple areas. The district is planning for a continued boost in enrollment, simply part of being an attractive place to raise a family and send students to school. New portable classrooms designed to support the growth are being added to the campuses at Isom Elementary, Bernice Vossbeck Elementary and Lynden High School, all scheduled for completion well ahead of the return of students to the buildings. Summer is also a time to work on major projects, such as roofing and HVAC systems.

We are preparing for students to return to school September 2 with a new normal, but with a five-days-a-week schedule that more closely resembles traditional schedules than what students experienced in the previous school year.

We closely monitor the evolving guidance from public health officials from the Washington State Department of Health, the governor’s office, the Whatcom County Health Department and the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and will follow that guidance as we plan for the 2021-22 school year. More information will come as we get further into summer. We anticipate there may be a few bumps here and there as we work out any kinks of state-mandated guidance and requirements, but our focus will always remain on making connections with students and families, on core academic standards and curriculum, the health and safety of students and staff and on key the social-emotional learning for every student entrusted to our care.

As we work toward meeting the needs of all students, I am excited to be a part of this great community and look forward to meeting even more students, staff and families as the school buildings start to fill later this summer.

Mike Stromme, Ed.D.
Lynden School District
Interim Superintendent