The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors held a special meeting on July 28, 2025, to reflect on nearly a year of collaborative work focused on educational program development. The meeting highlighted the efforts of a dedicated committee that has met seven times over the past year, contributing nearly 60 hours of discussion and planning to ensure the best outcomes for the district and its community.

During the meeting, committee members shared their experiences and insights gained from piloting two educational programs, School Connect and Wayfinder. The committee, consisting of approximately 28 members, included a diverse range of stakeholders such as school board members, district office staff, building administrators, certified teachers, and a behavior specialist from ESD 112. This broad representation was emphasized as crucial for gathering varied perspectives and ensuring comprehensive input into the decision-making process.

Key contributors to the committee's success were acknowledged, including Katie Peterson, the grama secretary, and Amy Fredericks, the TOSA for curriculum instruction and assessment, who played vital roles in organizing and supporting the committee's work. The committee also expressed gratitude to Tamara Sheets and Allison Toohart for their guidance, which inspired the team to strive for excellence in their efforts.

The meeting underscored the importance of open dialogue and constructive criticism, with committee member Debbie bringing a fresh perspective that challenged the group to think critically about their choices. The committee's rigorous process led to the narrowing of 13 initial proposals down to four, ultimately selecting two vendors for pilot programs based on thorough evaluations and student feedback.

As the meeting concluded, committee members were invited to introduce themselves and share their experiences, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that has characterized this initiative. The district's commitment to transparency and community involvement was evident, as the board looks forward to implementing the insights gained from this extensive process.