Battle Ground Public Schools will put technology and security levy on February ballot

Battle Ground Public Schools’ board of directors voted Monday evening to approve a resolution for a capital levy to be placed on the Feb. 13 special election ballot.

If approved by a simple majority vote, the levy would fund various upgrades to school security, technology and infrastructure across the district.

The three-year capital levy is expected to collect $8.5 million in 2025, $9.2 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2026 — costing property owners an estimated 44 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. District officials said the levy is replacing a bond measure passed in 2005 that’s set to expire at the end of 2023.

“Although Battle Ground Public Schools spends millions each year to maintain schools, many still have facility issues to be addressed, including roofs and heating and cooling systems,” said Superintendent Denny Waters in a release shared Tuesday morning. “State funding alone is not sufficient.”

The funding would bolster doors and replace old security cameras, repair roofs and air conditioning systems, add new learning spaces for trades programs and update district computers, phones and wireless networks.

“Our community has told us that they prioritize security measures and repairing aging buildings,” Waters said. “If approved, the capital levy would provide funding to begin making some repairs and updates.”

The capital levy is a different measure from the four-year replacement levy Battle Ground passed in 2021 to supplement extracurricular activities, athletics, several staff positions and other educational needs. That levy will continue collecting funds through 2025.

For more information on the proposed capital levy and Battle Ground’s existing replacement levy, visit the district’s website at www.battlegroundps.org/capital-levy/.