Fisher School

Fisher Elementary is named in honor of William A. Fisher, a foundational leader whose decades of service helped shape the Lynden School District into what it is today. Mr. Fisher served as the district’s second superintendent for 37 years, guiding Lynden Schools through significant periods of growth and change.

His career began in Whatcom County, including two years as superintendent in Sumas before returning to Lynden in 1917. Through his leadership and curricular development, the district earned accreditation from the Northwest Association of High Schools in 1925—an accomplishment that expanded college opportunities for Lynden graduates and strengthened the district’s academic reputation.

Mr. Fisher was also a strong advocate for student athletics. He served on the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association executive board for 26 years, including 15 years as its president, at a time when the board consisted of only three statewide representatives. His passion for sports extended into coaching; he led the Lynden High School boys basketball team to league championships in the program’s first two years. He also enjoyed refereeing both high school and college contests and was respected for his fairness on the court.

His contributions were recognized through honors such as the Helm Foundation Service Award in 1949. After retiring from education, he continued serving the public as a member of the Washington State Legislature.

The district named its first elementary school after him in 1962. Fisher Elementary was rebuilt and reopened in 2017, and today serves more than 500 students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. The school stands as a tribute to Mr. Fisher’s commitment to academic excellence, student opportunity and community service—values that continue to guide our work with families.