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Residents urge open superintendent search and criticize board process ahead of levy vote
Summary
Dozens of speakers during citizens comments urged the board to conduct an open search for superintendent and criticized the board's recent decision to move forward with an internal appointment; several speakers tied the controversy to trust and the upcoming levy.
Dozens of community members who addressed the Battle Ground School Board during the March 10 citizens‑comment period urged the board to conduct an open superintendent search and criticized the board’s recent decision to advance an internal candidate.
Speakers representing parents, civic groups and former local elected officials repeatedly asked the board to delay a final long‑term appointment and instead offer a short, interim contract while allowing the next board — three positions are up for election this year — to participate in a full search. Several speakers tied the issue to public trust and the district’s ability to pass the April replacement levy.
Sabrina Worthy, who identified herself as a parent of two district graduates, thanked the board for supporting the superintendent appointment but suggested the board require speakers to state whether they have students in the district when addressing the board. Several speakers, including former city councilor Shauna Walters and parent Jessica Cole, said they support an open search and urged a one‑year contract for any interim appointment so the next board can weigh in.
Other speakers criticized the board’s recent votes and urged more transparent, community‑centered decision‑making. Tyler Long and others said the board’s actions had created negative optics and risked eroding community trust ahead of the levy; multiple speakers said the board’s conduct could influence voters’ willingness to approve school funding.
Some community members spoke in support of the internally selected candidate and praised her record on district committees. Gary Wilson, who identified himself as an Evergreen School Board member speaking for himself, recommended boards invest in an executive search firm if they pursue a broader search.
Board members did not respond to citizens’ comments during the meeting beyond acknowledging receipt of the remarks. Several speakers asked the board to adopt a board code of ethics and call for clearer communication with the public.
