Battle Ground Public Schools (BGPS) is asking families and community members to help preserve four athletic programs facing uncertainty during the 2026-27 school year due to district budget cuts.
BGPS District Athletic Director Everett Klodt announced to families that boys and girls golf, gymnastics, boys and girls swimming, and bowling will only be offered if minimum participation numbers and fundraising goals are met before registration deadlines.
The district cited the loss of levy funding and a need to make $20 million in budget reductions as the reason for the changes.
According to Klodt, the affected sports require access to facilities the district does not own, creating additional costs that are not covered by state funding designated for athletics.
Swimming faces the largest fundraising challenge, requiring $13,500 to cover facility fees at the YMCA and Gaither Pool in Kelso. Bowling requires $8,700 to cover costs at Tiger Bowl in Battle Ground, while gymnastics needs $6,259 for Northpointe facility fees. Golf programs must raise $5,000 for course fees at Tri Mountain and Pine Crest.
Participation thresholds must also be met. Golf and swimming need either 10 athletes per school or districtwide participation totals of 14 and 17 athletes, respectively. Gymnastics requires eight athletes per school or 12 districtwide, while bowling requires six athletes per school or 12 districtwide.
Golf and swimming fundraising and registration goals must be met by Aug. 19, while bowling and gymnastics have until Oct. 27. Donations will remain dedicated to the sport selected by donors and will not be redirected elsewhere, Klodt stated in the release sent to district families.
The district said it remains committed to finding solutions that preserve athletic opportunities for students despite ongoing financial challenges.
Community members who wish to support these programs can make a contribution of any amount through InTouch Receipting at, wa-battleground-lite.intouchreceipting.com/BGHSPHSAthletics.
