Board approves temporary healthcare and special‑education staffing contract as part of consent agenda; HR update shows nine certificated staff unplaced

The Battle Ground School District board approved the consent agenda July 28, which included a district contract for temporary healthcare and special‑education staffing (listed in the packet as Emerus Healthcare Staffing) with an authorization amount up to $500,000; the consent agenda passed 5–0.

Michelle, the district HR lead, told the board the temporary‑staffing contract is used when the district cannot fill specialized positions through regular recruiting (for example, one‑on‑one nursing or other unique supports). She said agencies can cost more than directly hiring district employees, but they are necessary to meet students—ederally mandated services. Michelle also introduced Lori Landerholm as the district irector of human resources, a new hire the board was advised of during a staffing update.

In a separate HR update, Michelle said the district has nine certificated employees remaining on the placement list (seven elementary endorsements and two math endorsements) and that number has fallen substantially from an earlier total of more than 60 as retirements and resignations created openings. The HR team said its goal is to place remaining certificated staff before the start of the school year and that negotiations with the classified union PSC were near conclusion.

Michelle and board members discussed the district atabase migration (Skyward) and payroll and HR processing; staff said migration work was underway and some modules would roll out the following week.

Board members also asked whether special‑education medical services covered under the contract were shared with parents; district staff clarified special‑education health services are defined and documented in students—ducation plans (IEPs) and are subject to existing student‑privacy rules. The board passed the consent agenda, which included the staffing contract, 5–0.