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Battle Ground board hears community pleas as district lays out $20 million reduction plan
Summary
Facing reduced state funding, district staff presented outreach results and an initial plan that identifies about $16 million in reductions and seeks another ~$4 million; students and community members urged cuts be limited and urged preserving theater, Aspire and supports for vulnerable students. Board set an April 27 reduction resolution timeline.
The Battle Ground School District Board heard hours of student testimony, community feedback and a district presentation Monday as staff outlined how the district plans to cut roughly $20 million because of state funding shortfalls.
District staff walked the board through the engagement work they used to shape options — two listening sessions, a public thought‑exchange tool and an online “balancing act” exercise that drew more than 1,500 views and 223 submissions. The presentation emphasized the constraints state funding law places on where district dollars can be used and why some commonly suggested fixes (selling property, changing capital vs. operating uses) are not straightforward.
Why it matters: The board is weighing deep reductions that, staff said, will touch many programs. Students and families told the board that losing theater, magnet programs such as Aspire, or extracurriculars would harm engagement and opportunity for many learners — and some speakers urged the board to press the state for fuller funding instead of local cuts.
District presentation and…
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