Bellingham Educator Suspended After Years of Reported Inappropriate Touching

A former Bellingham School District Traffic Safety Instructor has had his teaching certificate suspended following a documented pattern of inappropriate physical contact and comments directed at students and staff, according to a recent disciplinary order issued by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

State documents reveal that Stuart Soderquist, whose teaching credentials date back to 1987, was suspended for a minimum of 30 days.

However, a close look at the state’s timeline may leave Whatcom County parents wondering why it took nearly three years—and multiple official warnings—for the educator to finally leave the district.

A History of Warnings

According to the OSPI Final Order of Suspension, the Bellingham School District was first alerted to concerning behavior regarding Soderquist in August 2020.

State records indicate that parents reported the educator had commented on the physical appearance and personality of a female student, “likened that student to his spouse,” and made a racially based comment to a student of color.

Furthermore, parents alleged he touched students on their legs when it was not necessary for the safety of vehicle occupants during Traffic Safety drives.

Following an investigation into the improper touching, the district’s disciplinary action at the time was limited.

On September 28, 2020, the district issued Soderquist a “Letter of Direction,” instructing him to “cease touching students during drives as a means to gain attention,” according to the state document.

The warnings continued into the next school year.

In March 2022, Soderquist was issued a letter from the Bellingham High School Principal following an investigation into improper conduct toward a colleague.

The state order notes he was instructed to “refrain from continued unwanted behavior, including hugging and touching, towards the staff member.”

Escalation and Administrative Leave

Despite multiple official directives to stop touching students and staff, Soderquist’s employment continued until a severe incident in the spring of 2023.

According to the disciplinary findings, on May 8, 2023, Soderquist approached three male students inside the school building. The state document reports that he placed his leg or foot on one student’s leg, “kneaded the shoulders” of a second student, and made inappropriate comments to all three that “included sexual connotations.”

It was only after this incident that Soderquist was placed on administrative leave on May 12, 2023.

Shortly after, the district issued a Notice of Probable Cause for Discharge, which Soderquist appealed. Rather than facing a direct termination by the district, state records show he signed a Separation Agreement, resigning his employment effective November 2023.

A Startling Admission and a 30-Day Penalty

Bellingham Superintendent Greg Baker filed a formal complaint with OSPI in May 2023 regarding the inappropriate communications.

Nearly two years later, in a September 2025 interview with the state’s Office of Professional Practices, Soderquist denied making sexually connotative comments.

However, in an admission detailed in the order, Soderquist reportedly “stated that he believed touching students on their thigh was an appropriate area to make physical contact.”

On April 21, 2026, the state concluded there was “clear and convincing evidence” that Soderquist committed acts of unprofessional conduct.

Yet, for a documented pattern of inappropriate physical contact spanning from 2020 to 2023, OSPI ordered a suspension of just 30 days.

To reinstate his certificate Soderquist will be required to complete a pre-approved “Maintaining Boundaries” course and pass a background check.