Board keeps two student representatives, adopts mentoring language after debate over expansion

The Battle Ground School District board on May 11 debated a proposed revision to Policy 12.50 that would have expanded student representation on the board from two to four, then amended and approved the policy to keep two representatives and add a mentoring provision.

Debbie Johnson introduced the proposed revision and said the intent was to broaden student voice and include students from alternative learning programs; the policy would also formalize mentoring by a board member. Mary Mendoza Hansel, president of the BGEA, told the board cuts to multilingual educators and reading specialists made it difficult to reconcile expansion of student representatives with staffing losses and budget strain.

Two current student representatives spoke during the discussion. One student said adding two new reps would increase workload and mentorship demands, and could distract from pressing district priorities such as levy work; another suggested students instead lead a revived student advisory council to broaden input without increasing board costs.

Board members debated cost (stipends and travel), logistics for rotating representation, and whether a student advisory council could deliver broader input. A motion to strike the provision that increased the number of student reps from two to four passed; the final motion adopted amended Policy 12.50 to retain two student representatives and to include language stating the board’s legislative representative will serve as a mentor and point of contact for student reps. The motion was approved by voice vote.

The board chair said procedures for implementing the mentoring arrangement would be written by the superintendent and that the administration would work with student reps and directors on details.

The vote leaves in place the current two student representatives but adds a structured point of contact intended to strengthen student support and clarify expectations.