Battle Ground Public Schools

Battle Ground Announces Superintendent Retirement, Successor

Dec. 15, 2020

Superintendent Mark Ross and Deputy Superintendent Denny Waters

Battle Ground Public Schools’ Superintendent Mark Ross announced Monday at the district school board meeting his plan to retire this summer on June 30 after a 39-year career in education. The board, noting that the district would benefit from a proven leader who understands the district’s needs during this challenging time, unanimously appointed Denny Waters, Battle Ground’s Deputy Superintendent, to be the next superintendent effective July 1.

During their meeting, board members noted that Ross has led the district through challenging times with grace and courage and has remained ever approachable. “Thank you for your service and stepping up to a difficult job,” Director Rob Henrikson said. “I appreciate your approachableness and willingness to always talk with me.”

 Ross joined Battle Ground Public Schools in 2014 as assistant superintendent of Teaching and Learning. The board appointed him superintendent four years ago in 2017. Ross has led the district through many changes. As part of his effort to hone quality instruction, Ross has worked to update curriculum that supports state learning standards and professional development and encourage collaboration that promotes and supports powerful teaching and learning. Under his leadership, Battle Ground has provided technology to all students during the global public health crisis and provided support and systems to help students and staff navigate mental health issues and trauma.

“You will be missed, there is no doubt about that,” Director Monty Anderson said. “But we have confidence that the district’s leadership can continue the legacy you’ve started.”

Ross started his career in 1982 as a language arts teacher and athletic coach at Camas High School. He also taught and coached in the Issaquah and Renton school districts before serving as assistant principal and dean of students at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Wash. In 2000, Ross returned to southwest Washington where he held assistant principal, athletic director, and principal positions in the Evergreen and Vancouver school districts. He also had stints as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning at Washougal School District and the executive director of secondary education at Evergreen School District before coming to Battle Ground.

Ross said that his time in Battle Ground schools has been the most rewarding and fulfilling of his career. “We’ve accomplished many things,” Ross said. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m proud of the professionalism and collaboration and the decisions that have always been made in the best interest of students.”

Incoming Superintendent Denny Waters has worked in education for 31 years, having spent the last 14 in Battle Ground schools. He first came to the district in 2007 as an assistant principal of Battle Ground High School, before moving to the district office in 2012 to be the executive director of Special Services. He became the district’s deputy superintendent in 2017. Before coming to Battle Ground he worked in Evergreen and Hawaii public schools as a teacher and special education coordinator. 

Earlier this year, Waters was recognized as the Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator in the state of Washington by the Washington Association of School Administrators. He was nominated for bringing Battle Ground district staff to a common goal of providing the best learning experiences for students.

The school board held an executive session after its meeting Monday night to discuss Waters’ qualifications. After the executive session, board members said Waters has demonstrated integrity during his tenure with the district and that they are confident he will continue to work to move the district forward for all students.

“To make any hiring decision I go to the character of the person, and Denny has great character,” Director Troy McCoy said. “When you have the skills to do the job and the character to do it effectively—when you combine those two things—then you have a great candidate. And we have that in Denny.”

Established in 1909, Battle Ground Public Schools (Battle Ground School District No. 119) is the 27th largest school district in the state of Washington. The district is home to 18 schools, serving the educational needs of 12,500 students. Battle Ground Public Schools is the largest employer in Battle Ground.