Battle Ground Public Schools
IN THIS ISSUE:
(VIDEO) 2024-25 school year in pictures
Your BGPS magazine relaunched
June 23 board meeting recap
Board meeting highlights
2025-26 administrative changes
Summer meals information
Summer/fall checklist
Skyward Family Access offline July 7–Aug. 10
Jobs in BGPS
BGPS in the news
The 2024-25 school year is officially over, so it’s time to look back at the year in pictures and video. From first-day jitters to field trips, activities, games, science, celebration and graduations, it was a year to remember. Enjoy the video and we’ll see you in the fall!
Thanks to the hard work of Tukes Valley Middle School sixth grader Rye Dilley, with support from fellow students and staff, the former “Your Battle Ground Public Schools” publication was relaunched at the end of this year as a student-focused magazine. Be sure to check out the issue featuring interviews with outgoing Superintendent Denny Waters and new Superintendent Shelly Whitten, as well as many highlights from around the district--all planned, written, edited, photographed and designed by students. Thanks to Rye and all of the students for taking on this challenge.
BGPS’ board of directors met for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 23. Video and notes from that meeting are available on the district website. The board will next meet on Monday, July 28, for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. You are invited to attend in-person at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground) or watch the meeting online.
During the June 23 meeting, the board recognized our 2025 retirees. Student board representative Itzel Contreras Montiel also detailed her priorities heading into her senior year at Prairie High School, including helping to organize the school’s freshman orientation and visiting colleges.
Pictured top row from left: Solina Adelson-Journey, Susannah Woehr, Kelly Torrez and Stephanie Watts. Middle row: Eric Sakshaug, Everett Klodt, Matt Stanfill and Kevin Palena. Bottom row: Lauri Landerholm and Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray.
Earlier this spring, we announced that Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten had been approved as the district’s new superintendent, replacing Denny Waters, who is retiring. In addition, the following administrative changes are taking effect beginning July 1, 2025:
Primary and middle schools
Pleasant Valley Primary: Solina Adelson-Journey will take over as principal, replacing Craig Pearson who has accepted a position with another district.
Glenwood Heights Primary: Current Prairie High School Principal Susannah Woehr will become Glenwood’s new assistant principal, replacing Jen Havig.
Laurin Middle School: Principal Eric Sakshaug is moving to Prairie High School, and Prairie Assistant Principal Kelly Torrez has been named Laurin’s principal for 2025-26. Laurin Dean of Students Everett Klodt also is moving to Prairie High School.
High schools and alternative schools
Prairie High School: Prairie Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Stephanie Watts will be the school’s principal. Eric Sakshaug and Everett Klodt will serve as assistant principals. Klodt also is the school’s new athletic director.
River HomeLink: Matt Stanfill, currently principal for Battle Ground Virtual Academy will replace assistant principal Susan Smith who accepted a job with another district.
Battle Ground Virtual Academy: Summit View High School Principal Kevin Palena will serve as BGVA’s principal in addition to continuing his duties as principal at Summit View.
Additional changes
Human Resources Director Luke LeCount is moving to another district. His position will be filled by Lauri Landerholm, from La Center School District.
Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray will become the district’s new assistant superintendent. This replaces the deputy superintendent role filled by Shelly Whitten. Murray was previously the district’s director of federal programs.
Free summer meals are available through Thursday, Aug. 14 at two sites:
Maple Grove Primary (Mon.-Fri.): Breakfast - 8-8:30 a.m. | Lunch - 12-1 p.m.
CAM Academy (Mon.-Fri.): Breakfast - 7:30-8 a.m. | Lunch - 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
*There will be no meal service on Friday, July 4.
Everyone age 18 or younger is eligible. Enrollment in Battle Ground Public Schools is not required. All meals must be consumed onsite. See more details.
Get more details on preparing for the 2025-26 school year with our summer/fall checklist. And be sure to check our community events page for ideas to keep young minds and bodies busy over the summer.
This summer, Battle Ground Public Schools is upgrading Skyward Family Access. The new version is known as Qmlativ and will offer an improved interface and user experience. During the migration, Skyward Family Access will be offline from July 7 until Aug. 11 (date subject to change). If you need to enroll a new student, please be aware that if you do not complete the enrollment process prior to July 7, you will need to start from the beginning when the new version of Skyward goes live.
Something fun happening in your building or classroom? Is there a student, teacher or volunteer doing something remarkable? Let us know about it! Battle Ground Public Schools' communications department is here to share your story and the stories happening all around you. Please reach out and let us know if you think there's a story worth sharing.
Email: communication@battlegroundps.org
Phone: 360-885-5337
Battle Ground Public Schools is currently hiring for a number of positions.
Visit the jobs page for details.
Bus drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of part-time bus drivers. Get more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $1,500 ($3,500 for experienced drivers).
Right At School
The district's before and after-school care provider, Right At School, is looking for program managers and educators. Learn more or email your resume to michael.speer@rightatschool.com.
