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The 10th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School.
Businesses located in and around Clark County are invited to reserve a table at this free event. Last year’s Industry Fair was attended by nearly 90 local employers and over 700 attendees. All industries are encouraged to participate, including health care, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, apprenticeships, transportation and more.
Learn more about what this event has to offer by visiting the district’s website.
This year’s Industry Fair is sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette, WorkSource of SW Washington, Partners in Careers and NEXT Success.
Businesses interested in having a table at this educational evening at Battle Ground High School should sign up by Friday, Feb. 14, online at https://forms.gle/VCqfiuX8vTwGuAQX7. Contact Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at 360-885-6598 or doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org with questions.
At its Nov. 25 regular meeting, Battle Ground Public Schools’ board of directors voted unanimously on a resolution to place a replacement education and operations levy on the ballot. Proposition 8 will appear on the ballot for the special election on Feb. 11, 2025. If voters approve the levy, it would replace the expiring education and operations levy, which ends in December 2025. The replacement levy would begin in 2026 and end after 2029.
Education and operations levies fill the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to educate students. If approved, the replacement levy would fund student safety, instructional/support staff, class sizes, curriculum, nursing, mental health support, special education, busing, sports, the arts and more. It would provide funding for programs and services that affect students in every BGPS school.
If approved, the replacement levy would collect the following amounts:
- $38.30 million in 2026
- $40.40 million in 2027
- $42.60 million in 2028
- $44.98 million in 2029
The levy represents about 13% of the district’s operating budget. The district cannot collect more than the amount that voters approve. Property value increases do not generate more revenue for the district.
Battle Ground Public Schools currently has about $40.8 million in services and programs that are not covered by state or federal funding, including areas of basic education, special education, mental health support, busing, sports and more.
In addition, operating costs have seen increases. For example, the district’s insurance costs (including liability, property, equipment and other types) have collectively risen 84% in the past five years.
State funding has not increased proportionately. State funding, adjusted for inflation, now provides less per student than it did in 2018.
To pay for these services and programs, the district is using its expiring education and operations levy as well as some of its unassigned fund balance, which has already been tapped to maintain services for students and retain staff.
Voters last approved an education and operations levy for BGPS in 2021 at an estimated rate of $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The actual rate in the first year of the levy was $1.97.
The estimated rate for the replacement levy is $1.95 per assessed property value for each of the four years of collection. The following chart provides an example of the amount that the owner of a property might pay toward this levy per month in the first year if it is approved.
| 2025 (current levy expires) | 2026 | |
| Assessed value of sample home | $600,000 | $600,000 or $621,000 (with 3.5% increase in assessed value) |
| Monthly cost | $84 | $98 (estimated) or $101 (estimated) |
Levy information is available on the district's website, social media accounts and through public presentations.
Some seniors and disabled homeowners who are disabled may be eligible for a property tax exemption based on income. Learn more.
Across Washington, approximately 97% of school districts rely on levy money to provide student programs and services.
The drama department at Battle Ground High School is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Clue: On Stage, a fun and suspenseful theatrical adaptation of the 1985 film based on the popular board game. Under the direction of Stephan “Cash” Henry, this production promises an evening of laughter, mystery and unforgettable entertainment.
“Clue: On Stage is a fun, silly, suspenseful piece of theater that is great for all ages,” said Henry. “The students were really interested in doing this show, and I wanted to choose something they would enjoy. It’s nostalgic for me as well—Clue was one of my family’s go-to board games on game nights when I was a kid.”
Performance dates and ticket information
- Dates:
- Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 5, 6, 7
- Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12 and 13
- Time: 7 p.m. on all dates with an additional 12 noon matinee showing on Saturday, Dec. 7
- Location: The Lair at Battle Ground High School (300 W Main St., Battle Ground, WA 98604)
- Tickets: $7 each, available at the door or online in advance.
A production full of challenges and triumphs
Bringing Clue: On Stage to life has been no small feat for the cast and crew. The production features the most intricate set designed at BGHS since their pre-COVID production of The Game’s Afoot: Holmes for the Holidays. “We even pushed out the opening date to ensure the set and props would look the way this show deserves,” Henry shared.
The hard work has paid off, thanks to the creativity and dedication of the students. “The crew has really stepped up, with impressive ideas and incredible dedication to creating the set, costumes and props,” said Henry. “They’ve truly brought this production to the next level.”
Henry wanted to give a special shout out to senior Ven Sherman for his design of the poster for the show.
Anticipation for opening night
As the curtain prepares to rise, Henry is eager to see the students shine. “I’m excited to watch these amazing kids bring this show to life, to see the audience enjoy an evening of theater and to witness all the hard work come together. I’m so proud of all of them.”
Don’t miss your chance to see Clue: On Stage at Battle Ground High School. Join us for an evening filled with mystery, humor and outstanding performances by our talented students.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek.”
So begins the upcoming River HomeLink Theatre production of Shrek the Musical Jr., a tale of unlikely friendships and the path to self-acceptance. Under the direction of Sandy Sparks, this musical comes to life this December at Prairie High School (11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA). Follow along as Shrek and Donkey set out on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona. Along the way, they meet a dragon, a gingerbread girl, Pinocchio, a not-so-wicked witch, the Three Pigs and a whole bunch more fairy tale creatures.
Shrek the Musical Jr. is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (https://wa-battleground-lite.intouchreceipting.com/RHLTheater) or at the door. Prices are $5 for children (3-10) and seniors, or $10 for general admission.
Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and 13, with 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. showings on Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14.
Shrek the Musical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International, New York, NY.