Ballots for the Nov. 2 general election are in the mail and should arrive by Oct. 21. For Battle Ground Public Schools, the ballot includes a four-year replacement levy and three school board races.

The replacement levy is not a new tax. It would replace a four-year levy set to expire at the end of 2021. Levy funding accounts for around 14 percent of the district’s budget, or $28 million in 2020-21. If approved, the replacement levy would collect the following amounts:

2022: $26,750,000
2023: $28,200,000
2024: $29,650,000
2025: $31,100,000

The rate per $1,000 of assessed property valuation to collect those amounts is projected to be $1.99 in all four years, a reduction from the current rate of $2.32 per $1,000. The anticipated local school tax on a home with an assessed value of $450,000 would be reduced by $123 in 2022, and cost less all four years of the replacement levy when compared to 2021. Battle Ground Public Schools already has the lowest school tax rate of any district in Clark County.

In Battle Ground, the levy supports student programs including arts, athletics and after-school activities. It also provides for technology, building maintenance, elective and advanced placement classes, social-emotional learning and support, special education services, as well as teachers, support and administrative staff. More information about how the levy helps to support student learning in Battle Ground Public Schools is available on the district website.

If the levy fails, the district would have to cut $28 million in student programs and services next school year that could result in larger class sizes, longer bus routes, the loss of music, art, theater and other electives, outdated textbooks, limited technology, fewer support staff for recess, school offices, custodial and maintenance and more, fewer class choices, fewer activities and sports, among other things.

Also on the Nov. 2 ballot are three school board races. The candidates for director of District 1 are incumbent Mary Snitily and Chloe Seppala. Ted Champine is running for director of District 3 against a candidate who previously withdrew from the race. Jackie Maddux is running to retain her spot as director of District 5. Her opponent also announced in September that she was pulling out of the race. Candidate statements are available in the Clark County voter’s pamphlet.

Ballots can be returned by mail (no postage required) and must be postmarked by election day, Nov. 2. They can also be returned to one of the many dropbox locations around the district until 8 p.m. on election night (a list of dropbox locations is included with your ballot or on the County Auditor’s website). 

If you are over 18, or will turn 18 on or before election day, you may register to vote online until Oct. 25, or in person at the Clark County Elections office until 8 p.m. on election day.