Excellent schools are not only essential for our children; they are a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. They influence where families choose to live, where businesses invest, and whether a city grows or struggles. In short, strong schools drive strong property values.
According to Devanjali Dutt of JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), 53% of homebuyers with school-age children rank school quality as a top factor when choosing a home. Dutt notes that excellent schools often outweigh other amenities when families decide where to settle. Renters, too, are drawn to communities with well-funded, high-performing schools.
This connection matters now more than ever. Our area is experiencing significant growth, with cleared lots, installed streetlights, planned apartment complexes, and major development proposals along Main Street and east of town. But growth alone is not enough. The real question is whether we are prepared to support it.
Are we ready with the infrastructure—especially strong schools—needed to sustain this expansion?
Failing to pass a school replacement levy puts that future at risk. If the levy fails again, our district would stand alone in the region as unable to secure this critical funding. That distinction sends a troubling message to prospective homeowners, renters, developers, and employers considering where to invest.
Communities that fail to support their schools often experience broader consequences: declining property values, reduced economic stability, and struggling local businesses. Schools are not separate from the economy—they are foundational to it.
Battle Ground stands at a crossroads. We can choose to move forward by investing in our schools, our children, and our long-term prosperity. Or we can fall behind, despite the opportunity growing around us.
As Dutt makes clear in her article, “How Good Schools Drive Residential Development Success,” school quality and community success are inseparable. Passing the levy is not just about education—it’s about the future we are building together.
Let’s invest wisely. Let’s invest in our schools.
Jackie Harris
Battle Ground
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