Battle Ground Public Schools

6 | BATTLE GROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE THERE PLANS TO BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL? Yes, the long-range plan includes a third comprehensive high school in Phase II (2022-2027), when new student enrollment is expected to maximize state funding assistance. Currently, the district does not qualify for state assistance for unhoused high school students because existing buildings support the current population. The district will consult with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), demographic studies, and enrollment projections to properly plan the construction timeline. In addition, Prairie High School qualifies for replacement of the 500-900 buildings in Phase I (2016– 2021) due to the age of the buildings, and Battle Ground High School meets state funding assistance requirements for replacement due to age in Phase III (2028 – 2033.) WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO ADDRESS THE GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT? Each phase of the plan addresses the need for new facilities. Currently, the southern and central areas of the district are experiencing rapid growth. Phases I and II have recommendations for additional K-4, 5-8 campuses and expansions to high school facilities. State construction assistance will be based on enrollment. The plan recommends an annual demographic and enrollment review to update phases accordingly. WHAT IS THE PLAN TO UPDATE OLDER BUILDINGS? Each phase of the plan has a category for replacement and/or renovations of current facilities to meet the educational needs of students and improve safety, technology and the overall educational environment. Projects are listed in priority by need and eligibility of state funding assistance based on age. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BGPS LONG-RANGE FACILITIES PLAN IS THERE A PLAN TO INCREASE SAFETY? Yes, each phase has a section dedicated to safety upgrades. Upgrades include, but are not limited to, card reader door access, improvements to main entrances, fencing, door locks, walkways, lighting, and parking lots. WHAT IS THE DISTRICT'S PLAN FOR FUNDING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS? School construction and maintenance uses several funding sources depending on the project, including voter approved bonds and levies, impact fees, and state funding assistance. Each phase of the plan will require voters to approve a school construction bond, as well as state construction assistance, for completion. The plan also lays out the development of a stable tax structure for district patrons. Bond payments would step down every six years, allowing capacity for a new bond without dramatic changes to the tax rate. In addition to school construction bonds, the district uses local impact fees to construct additional classrooms, such as modular buildings, to accommodate growth, and uses local maintenance and operation levy dollars to support general maintenance and upkeep. More than 1,900 community members, parents and staff participated in the facility-related Thoughtexchange process last spring. Participants shared their thoughts and ideas about school facilities and asked questions about future projects. The Facilities Improvement Team incorporated their feedback into the long-range plan and created this list of Frequently Asked Questions.

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