The Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors voted Monday, Nov. 24, to place a levy renewal on the Feb. 10 ballot. The approval was unanimous, with Director Terry Tate excused. Two incoming directors, Marshall Marrott and Lorri Sibley, also supported the measure during a Nov. 10 meeting.
The levy, if approved, would collect $189.5 million over four years. This will be the district’s third attempt after voters rejected two replacement levies last year. The district is operating the entire 2025-26 school year without levy dollars starting in 2026, which forced $14 million in cuts to staff and programs. If voters approve the new levy in February, the district cannot collect funds until 2027.
The current levy expires in December. Its rate of about $2.14 per $1,000 in assessed value will drop to roughly $0.45 next year without a replacement, which would be the lowest rate in the county. If approved, the levy would collect an estimated $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value for four years. The board selected the higher of the two options reviewed earlier this month. District leaders say it gives them the flexibility to restore some positions and programs, though rising operating costs mean the full scope of restorations remains uncertain…