Battle Ground board votes to start reduction in force after levy failure

The Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors on May 1 adopted Resolution C‑26 to begin a reduced educational program and a reduction in force for the 2026–27 school year, citing a district shortfall tied to the failure of local levies.

Superintendent Shelley told the board the district faces a $20,000,000 deficit “due to the triple levy failure,” and that staffing makes up about 85% of the budget. She said the resolution is the first required step in preparing a balanced budget and that implementation follows collective‑bargaining and legal notice requirements.

Administration said the proposal would reduce or restructure about 137 positions in the first year (the presentation cited a two‑year impact of roughly 268.3 position equivalents), with percentage reductions varying by group: central office administrators, building administrators, classified and certificated staff and support personnel. Michelle Reinhart, the district HR executive, summarized exhibit materials that list position categories and described plans to reassign or consolidate responsibilities where possible.

Board members and administration emphasized priorities used in drafting reductions: protect student safety and core academic instruction, support vulnerable students, preserve career and college readiness where possible, and follow compliance requirements. The administration said some programs were restructured rather than eliminated where feasible and that employee groups agreed to furlough days and salary freezes to reduce the impact.

Affected program changes outlined included reductions to SEL paraprofessionals and some campus security positions, fewer library technicians, reductions in custodial and maintenance staffing and changes to athletics busing and middle‑school activity budgets. Notice of potential changes to summer school, 1:1 Chromebook allocations at one middle school, credit‑recovery fee proposals and increased participation fees for athletics were also presented.

Superintendent Shelley said the resolution does not fix all decisions permanently: “The board retains discretion in the event additional funding becomes available to review and adjust the reduced educational program and staffing decisions in the best interest of the district’s educational program.” She and other administrators invited public input and said adjustments may be possible as the budget develops before final adoption in August.

Board member Chris Grohl moved approval of Resolution C‑26; the motion passed by voice vote. The board chair said staff will issue notifications consistent with Washington law and district policy and maintain ongoing communications with employee associations and the public about next steps.

What happens next: administration will continue budget development, accept community feedback, and return to the board with a proposed operating budget and any recommended changes. Staff cautioned that timelines for contracts and state funding reimbursements may affect final decisions.