Endorsements
Tell us why the levy is important to you. Please note that we may include your name on our website and social media.
Who has endorsed the levy
The levy is important to me because it directly shapes what school feels like for our students. When the levy is in place, kids have counselors to talk to when they are overwhelmed. They have nurses who help them stay healthy and safe. They have paraeducators and support staff who make sure students get the individual attention they need. None of this is fully funded by the state. The levy fills the gaps. The levy also protects safe staff to student ratios. Without it, classrooms become more crowded. That means fewer adults available to notice when a child is struggling. It means less time to give students feedback and support. It means more behaviors, more stress, and fewer meaningful learning opportunities. Crowded classrooms are not sustainable, and students will not receive the quality of education they deserve if staffing is cut. Battle Ground already has one of the lowest school tax rates in our region. Voting yes on the levy is not about adding new costs. It is about maintaining the programs and staffing levels our schools depend on every single day. We need to vote yes on the levy to keep Battle Ground Battle Ground: a place where students feel supported, a place where families can trust that schools are safe and well-staffed, and a place where strong public education remains at the heart of our community. I'm begging you to please vote YES. --Ryan Heasley, educator and community member
I believe we have a responsibility as a community to help resource our schools well. As someone who spent my entire childhood in BGPS schools, I know firsthand the impact that committed teachers, safe facilities, and well-funded programs can have on students’ lives. Supporting this levy is an investment in our kids, our educators, and the future of our community. --Chris Potter, parent and resident
Education is the longest lever a society has to ensure a prosperous future. In Washington, our Constitution identifies education as the state’s “paramount duty,” yet the current funding model relies heavily on local support. Following last year’s failed levy, Battle Ground Public Schools is in dire straits, having exhausted its reserves to keep schools safe. A second failure would be catastrophic. We risk losing the staff, sports and programs that shape well-rounded citizens. This isn’t just about school; it’s about our collective civic duty to keep the playing field level for every child. Please vote “yes.” --Kevin Palena
I urge our community to support the Battle Ground Public Schools replacement levy. Having served this district for 40 years as a student, educator, administrator and parent of nine BGPS students, I have seen firsthand how essential levy-funded services are to student success. This is not a new tax, but a replacement levy that supports teachers, counselors, nurses, special education, transportation and school safety — services used by 97 percent of Washington districts. Without it, the district faces $20 million in cuts, potential school closures or state takeover. Please vote by Feb. 10. --Ryan Cowl
I worked for Evergreen Public Schools for 25 years. During that time, I always thought of Battle Ground as “that place that can’t pass levies.” In 2022, I was hired by Battle Ground Public Schools and discovered a hidden gem. The districts’ leaders are accessible and transparent, and they listen to their educators. Many of the teachers attended Battle Ground schools themselves and care deeply about the community. Every K-12 district in Clark County has an operating levy funded by their taxpayers. Are the children in Evergreen, Vancouver and the rest more deserving than the children of Battle Ground? Our kids deserve smaller class sizes, safe schools and sports, too. These are tough economic times, but an investment in schools is an investment in the future. Strong schools protect property values, and the families who live here support local businesses. Please vote “yes” on Feb. 10. --Amy Fredericks
Here is the main reason I support the Battle Ground Public Schools levy — my dollars stay local. I live in this community, shop at the local businesses, use the parks and trails and school grounds near me. Levy dollars support our unique local context and needs, like being one of the largest geographic school districts in the state. Last year, 83 percent of the Washington schools running levies supported their unique local context, their money stayed in their community. I volunteer in schools and get to experience the difference when class sizes are larger or smaller, when there is a classroom assistant or not. Most often these employees are our fellow community members also spending their money locally. Join me in voting “yes” for the Battle Ground school district levy and supporting the families with kids in our local schools. --Mark Watrin
Prominent British statistician Claus Moser once said, “Education costs money. But then so does ignorance.” This simple truth captures why investing in schools is not optional: it is essential for the health of our community and the future of our children. A strong public education system benefits everyone—students, families, businesses, and the community at large. Battle Ground Public Schools (BGPS) exemplifies this commitment, serving a diverse and growing population with a wide range of programs designed to meet varied learning needs.