The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors held a special meeting on July 28, 2025, focusing on the implementation of a new Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, Wayfinder. The discussion highlighted the importance of SEL in fostering self-awareness, self-management, and social engagement among students.

Board members emphasized the positive feedback received from Common Sense Media, which reviewed Wayfinder and rated it highly for its extensive resources and adaptability for teachers. The curriculum aims to integrate SEL into academic content, promoting a positive school climate and enhancing students' emotional readiness to engage in their studies.

Statistics presented during the meeting revealed challenges within the district, including an average attendance rate of 57.27% and over 13,000 major disciplinary referrals for grades 9 through 12 in the previous school year. Despite these figures, graduation rates remain strong compared to state averages. The board noted that implementing an effective SEL curriculum could help address these issues by improving student engagement and emotional well-being.

Additionally, the meeting addressed student safety, with counseling staff conducting 431 suicide intervention questionnaires last year, indicating a need for ongoing support for students facing emotional challenges. Feedback from student surveys highlighted a desire for growth in problem-solving, group work, and community respect, while concerns about bullying were echoed by parents and community members.

The board concluded that the adoption of the Wayfinder curriculum is a crucial step toward enhancing the educational environment and supporting the emotional health of students in the Battle Ground School District.