The Battle Ground School District board adopted Policy 18-21 on Nov. 10 after a second reading and debate over whether board behavior standards should be codified as policy or kept as guidelines. Superintendent Lanelle said the policy “will help align the school board standards as well as the major functions of the school board together,” and staff presented the policy as research-based guidance intended to improve governance and student outcomes.

Why it matters: The policy consolidates elements of the district’s governance framework — vision, structure, accountability and advocacy — and will lead to retirement of portions of Policy 18-10. Board members said they support clearer expectations but differed on whether a formal policy is the right vehicle and whether the district needs explicit enforcement procedures.

Board debate centered on two questions: should the standards be a policy with potential repercussions, or a set of norms and guidelines? Director Debbie Johnson said she values the content but questioned whether it “needs to be a policy,” calling it useful as board norms and training. Director Terry Tate said: “I really support this… I feel like this is just a really strong way to keep myself accountable.”

Several board members asked about enforcement. Director Jackie Maddox and others asked what would happen if someone violated the policy. Superintendent Lanelle and other board members pointed to other existing policies (including Policy 1815 and procedures used previously) that provide mechanisms when formal actions are necessary. Lanelle noted the policy “gives us something to refer to” when conversations are needed.

Public input and context: At least one citizen urged stronger, enforceable ethics rules. Jessica Cole said the district’s decision not to adopt a code of ethics at an August retreat was consequential and raised concerns about transparency in board communications. Cole alleged a recent records request found a director’s board-related communication missing from a personal device and argued that enforceable standards protect transparency. The board did not take immediate disciplinary action in response to that comment during the meeting.

Vote and next steps: The motion to adopt Policy 18-21 passed with a 4–1 recorded outcome. Board staff said the policy will be published in BoardDocs and the related, retired provisions of Policy 18-10 will be formally retired.

The board proceeded to other policy revisions and to routine business; the meeting moved to executive session on personnel later in the evening.