Battle Ground School District 119

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students. Student voice included positive feedback from Pleasant Valley Primary students and concerns regarding safety and sports funding at Daybreak Middle School following the levy failure. Committee reports covered the WIAA focusing on medical coverage for student athletes and the Legislative Committee noting potential impacts from state initiatives like school enrichment funding cuts and financial literacy requirements. A major discussion centered on restructuring board meetings to potentially include one workshop and one business meeting per month, along with modifying public comment procedures. Specific points of debate included limiting student voice and public comments, which several directors strongly opposed due to concerns about transparency and community engagement. Another significant debate involved a proposed revision to Policy 1210 regarding officer eligibility for newly appointed board members, which also met strong opposition. The board also engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the Open Public Meetings Act, concluding that legal counsel should be consulted to clarify legal communication boundaries. The Superintendent reported on a potential 25% funding reduction for Transitional Kindergarten programs. The Finance Report provided an update on per pupil spending. The meeting concluded with a closed executive session to review employee performance.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The agenda approval process included a decision to vote separately on the Substitute Pay Rate Proposal to accommodate a director's recusal due to a potential conflict of interest. Student representatives and students from various programs (Transitional Kindergarten, Battle Ground Virtual Academy, Summit View High School) provided updates and shared their positive experiences. Student representatives reported on concerns from another school regarding overcrowding and levy failure impacts. Committee reports covered the Audit Committee noting a cost increase for video recording and the upcoming annual state audit, and the Legislative Committee preparing for discussions on unfunded mandates and budget deficits. Director reports addressed proposed legislation affecting school board elections and a preview of the community levy presentation. The Superintendent addressed rumors regarding levy necessity, emphasized the financial risks of not passing the levy, and presented board members with Certificates of Appreciation in observance of School Board Appreciation Month. The Teaching and Learning Report detailed the success of a Transitional Kindergarten Professional Learning Community in improving one-to-one correspondence math skills. New Business included the approval of several proposed new courses for the 2026-27 school year, such as Advanced Restoration, AP Seminar and English, and Forensic Psychology.

The special meeting included presentations on the School Improvement Plans (SIP) for the district, Yacolt Primary School, and Amboy Middle School. The SIPs are mandated to receive state basic education funding and align with the district's strategic plan. Yacolt Primary School reported increased enrollment, strong community identity, high parent involvement, and building-wide curriculum alignment. Amboy Middle School highlighted a strong collaborative culture, increased rates of low-income and SPED students, consistent multi-year growth in ELA and Math scores, and a strategic focus on improving outcomes for students with disabilities through inclusion.

The meeting included the appointment of an acting board president, oaths of office for new directors, and the election of officers for the upcoming year. Updates were provided by student representatives, and committee reports covered various topics, including legislative concerns and committee openings. The superintendent and staff shared updates on community engagement, programs, and financial matters. Citizens were given the opportunity to comment. The board also discussed future agenda items, including a special meeting to engage with the community on levy matters, and entered an executive session.

The meeting included student and board updates, committee reports covering legislative concerns, audit updates, BGeF fundraising, and WIAA activities. The board discussed community outreach events, construction updates, sexual health education, and survey results regarding school funding and property taxes. There were revisions of policies related to student discipline, nondiscrimination, and the use of school facilities, with discussions on protected classes and the use of specific language in the policies. The board also approved the consent agenda, Carl Perkins Grant for CTE Programs, and CTE Natural Resources Systems Textbook.