At a glance
Battle Ground Public Schools must make $20 million in cuts for the 2026-27 school year due to the loss of local levy funding.
The cuts were informed by stakeholder feedback that prioritized certain areas and encouraged making smaller reductions across multiple areas rather than cutting entire programs.
State funding alone is not sufficient to operate a school district the size of Battle Ground.
The district is in the midst of a sustained financial crisis, cutting approximately $34 million over two years and losing 268.2 positions that support students.
See the resolution in force for school board approval (only covers positions, not other cost-saving reductions)
See the full list of cuts and cost-saving reductions for the 2026-27 school year
We wanted to share an update on our budget for the 2026-27 school year. Battle Ground Public Schools must make $20 million in cuts due to the loss of local levy funding, gaps in state funding, unfunded mandates and rising operational costs. Making these cuts will allow the district to present a balanced budget, as required by law, for the upcoming school year.
Stakeholder feedback central to budget reduction process
Throughout this process, staff, families, community members and students have helped shape priorities. Their feedback prioritized maintaining positions and programs focused on student safety and well-being, core academic instruction, support for vulnerable students, student engagement and college and career preparation. There was also a preference for making smaller reductions across multiple areas rather than cutting entire programs.
With that feedback in mind, the district carefully reviewed all potential cost-saving options. While not all ideas were feasible due to legal limitations or the risk of increasing long-term costs, each suggestion was taken into consideration. We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts.
State funding limitations and local impact
Battle Ground now relies primarily on state funding, which does not fully cover the actual cost of operating a district of our size. For example, state funding provides only two security positions for the entire district, and no state funding is specifically allocated for athletics and extracurricular activities. These gaps limit the district’s ability to fund these and many more programs and services that the community values.
At the same time, increasing costs and unfunded requirements continue to put pressure on the district’s budget. As a result, some of the reductions will change how schools operate in the 2026–27 school year.
Unique financial challenges
Although many school districts across Washington and Oregon are facing budget crises, Battle Ground’s situation is different. Many of the Washington districts making drastic cuts have educational programs and operations levies in place. Had Battle Ground’s levy passed, the district would not be making cuts–or at least not cuts of this magnitude. The district is in the midst of a sustained financial crisis.
For the 2025-26 school year, BGPS cut $14 million and lost 131 staff positions due to the double levy failure. The number of eliminated positions for this year was ultimately lower than projected due to the careful use of a portion of our fund balance.
For the 2026-27 school year, following the third successive levy failure, the district will cut another $20 million and lose 137.3 positions.
These are more than just numbers. Behind each position is a person who is here to support students and help them be successful.
Supporting staff through changes
It is important to note that not every reduced or eliminated position will result in the staff member losing employment with the district. Some staff members who receive reduction in force notices may be eligible to move into other positions if they meet the qualifications. Attrition may also affect the number of staff members who are displaced. The district will continue working closely with its labor associations to meet contractual requirements regarding staffing changes.
Moving forward while keeping a focus on students
On April 27, Battle Ground’s board of directors will vote on a resolution to authorize a reduction in force.
We recognize that each reduction affects valued staff members who have dedicated their time and expertise to our students, families and community. These decisions are not made lightly.
Even in the face of these challenges, our focus remains on serving students and maintaining supportive learning and working environments. While changes are necessary, we are committed to preserving what matters most for student learning and well-being.
Learn more about our budget situation and see answers to frequently asked questions.