State Auditor Affirms Battle Ground Public Schools' Financial Oversight Practices - 06/13/26

After reviewing Battle Ground Public Schools' finances and operations for approximately 425 hours, the Washington State Auditor's Office has issued clean reports for the district's accountability, financial statement and federal audits.

The audits found that Battle Ground Public Schools complied with applicable laws, regulations and district policies in the areas reviewed and maintained appropriate controls to safeguard public resources. Auditors reported no findings, material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.

Accountability audits assess whether public funds and assets are protected and accounted for, and governments are following applicable laws, regulations and policies. As part of Battle Ground’s latest accountability audit, the state auditor reviewed district activity from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025, in the following areas:

• Cash receipting

• Accounts payable

• Financial condition of the district

• Use of restricted funds for professional learning and enrichment activities

• Compliance with supplemental contracts for enrichment activities

• Self-insurance for unemployment

• Compliance with open public meeting requirements

• Software conversion process

Auditors have determined that these areas present an increased risk of fraud, loss, abuse or noncompliance. After reviewing Battle Ground’s activity, the auditor concluded that district operations complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws, regulations and district policies and provided adequate controls to protect public resources.

No findings in financial and federal audits

The Washington State Auditor's Office also reviewed the district's financial statements and compliance with federal program requirements during the same audit period. Financial audits provide an independent opinion on whether state and local government financial reports are accurate and complete, and federal audits verify that federal money is spent according to the laws that govern each federal program.

The auditor reported no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies or instances of material noncompliance related to Battle Ground’s financial reporting. The federal audit, which reviewed 40% of the district’s federal programs, including special education grants and the Project AWARE grant, also found the district to be in compliance with all requirements. 

Ongoing management of public resources

In addition to annual independent audits conducted by the state, Battle Ground Public Schools maintains an audit committee that regularly reviews district expenditures, including payroll, timesheets and vendor invoices. The committee includes elected school board directors, and the results are presented during public board meetings.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction also monitors all Washington state school districts’ finances and awards each district a score that indicates financial stability. For the 2023-24 school year, the most recent year for which scores are available, OSPI gave Battle Ground a 3.35 out of 4.0. The average score for all other K-12 Clark County school districts that year was 2.64. However, the Battle Ground’s score is expected to drop in the coming years due to the loss of levy funding.

Free Lunch During The Summer For Kids And Teens - 06/04/26

Starting June 15, kids and teens ages 18 or younger can receive lunch at no cost to them during the summer. Sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals during the summer months when children are not in school. Children and teens do not need to attend a Battle Ground school to participate. Hot and cold entrees, along with nutritious sides and beverages, will be offered daily.

• Dates: Monday through Friday, June 15, through Aug. 20 (except for July 1-3).

• Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

• Location: CAM Academy, 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground. All meals must be consumed onsite.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

Mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

Fax:833-256-1665 or 202-690-7442; or

Email: USDA Program Intake

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Battle Ground Public Schools To Hold Listening Session - 06/01/26

Join Battle Ground Public Schools board members and district leaders for a discussion about the financial future of BGPS schools, including budget priorities and future educational programs and operations levies. Financial stability is critical to bringing change to the district and preparing students for their future.  

This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. No RSVP is required. Child care will be available for children over the age of 1 (must be bathroom trained).

• Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Battle Ground High School media center (300 W. Main St., Battle Ground)

Due to the format of the session, it will not be recorded. However, a summary will be available afterward on the district website.