Board approves RIF resolution after failed levy; staff notices to be issued under May 15 deadline

The Battle Ground School District board of directors on April 28 voted 5-0 to approve Resolution C‑25, a preliminary step authorizing reductions in certificated staff and administration after the district's replacement levy failed by 527 votes.

Superintendent Denny told the board and the public that the approved resolution is the "first step" in a budget-balancing process driven by the levy defeat and statutory timelines for notifying certificated employees. "Tonight is our first step. It's just the first step in our budget balancing process," he said, and emphasized that the proposal presented to the board is a worst-case scenario that could change as the district finalizes its revenue picture.

The board heard a detailed budget briefing from Chief Financial Officer Michelle Scott showing that the district will lose levy revenue for two school years because of timing and that monthly payroll typically runs between $13 million and $15 million. Scott said a 250-student enrollment shortfall would reduce state funding…