As Battle Ground Public Schools (BGPS) Superintendent Denny Waters read the list of cuts the district would need to make if it experienced a double levy failure, community members eagerly waited for the public comment portion of the board meeting on Monday, March 24.
While citizens expressed frustration over BGPS levy proposals on social media, others expressed their outright support in the public comment period.
“Nothing gets done when both sides are at odds with each other,” Terry Dotson said in his public comment. “What I see happening is a difference of opinion that is stated by those living in the district on a monthly basis at these meetings. Neither group is going to be pleased with the outcome unless we can come together with some kind of resolution that is in the best interest of the students and not personal agendas.”
The school district’s Feb. 11 special election Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) replacement levy failed by less than 100 votes. Now, the voters in the large school district are being asked to approve the same proposal in the April 22 special election. The replacement levy would continue to provide programs, staff and materials for students that the state does not fully fund.
If voters approve the levy in its second run, it would replace the EP&O levy that expires at the end of December 2025. The replacement levy would run from 2026 and end at the end of 2029. If approved, voters would pay an estimated $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value for each year of collection.
If voters reject the levy proposal, the district will need to make cuts that impact all facets of Battle Ground Public Schools.
“Battle Ground schools has got a little something for everyone,” Josh Wilde said of the programs the district offers in his citizen comment. “These programs are designed to meet the needs of our community.”
Waters proposed in the meeting that safety would be one of the key factors in the school district receiving cuts.
The district’s 2025-26 and 2026-27 budget reduction proposals would need to decrease school security, emergency preparedness efforts, and supervision. Reductions could include counselors, behavior support paraeducators, licensed practical nurses and behavior support personnel. Eliminations include a laundry list of critical staff. Eliminations could consist of all crossing guards, middle school security guards with a reduction of high school security guards and even the full elimination of school resource officers and more. The amount in the safety category would amount to over $5 million in cuts.
The proposal states that cuts to instruction and instructional support staff would increase class sizes, suspend curriculum purchases, and reduce academic opportunities. Free school supplies for all primary school students would be ended, and all teacher librarians would be eliminated. Advanced Placement courses are also subject to reduction, the proposal adds.
“Recently our district adopted a new [English and Language arts] curriculum. A decision made months after careful evaluation,” Nicole Frantz said during public comment. “I was a part of the adoption committee and we took a detailed look at several options before selecting the one we believed best met the needs of our students. … Every teacher I know puts their heart and soul into this job. Teaching is not just about showing up Monday through Friday; it’s a commitment that extends far beyond the classroom. We think about our students seven days a week.”
At the administrative level, the district states that a reduction in district administrative support would occur.
The principal position for the Battle Ground Virtual Academy would also be axed. Assistant principals would be reduced to one per shared campus. A multitude of other cuts would also occur. Those proposed cuts would add up to over $10 million.
The smallest category, enrichment, receives $947,089 in budget cuts. However, the impacts on student life are much greater.
A double-levy failure would lead to the elimination of middle school sports and coaching positions, as well as all high school C-team sports and coaching positions, and reduce athletic transportation, too. Outside of athletics, the proposal lists the elimination of all middle school extracurricular activities and clubs, a reduction in Family and Community Resource Center support and would increase the participation fees for high school extracurricular activities.
Proposed operational cuts total almost $3.9 million. The district would examine and reduce bus routes, facilities, warehouses, maintenance, and custodial staff. These cuts could result in longer bus rides, reduced building and grounds maintenance, and the forced continuation of aging technology.
If the replacement levy passes, the budget reduction proposal can be crumpled up and thrown in the trash. If voters deny the replacement levy, the district will present the cuts to the board of directors later this month for approval. Waters told the board that it is likely that cuts could be approved before the final results of the levy.
