Battle Ground Public Schools

Board Director Mavis Nickels always asks ‘What’s best for kids?’

Mavis Nickels has spent the better part of the past 43 years dedicated to serving the interests of students in Battle Ground Public Schools. For nearly three decades, Nickels taught math and chemistry at Prairie High School, where due to her nurturing and supportive nature, students couldn’t help but call her ‘mom.’ Perhaps that’s fitting, as Nickels has seen all four of her own children graduate from Battle Ground schools, followed by all four of her grandchildren as well.

Not long after retiring from teaching, Nickels was elected as the Director of District 4 on the Battle Ground Board of Directors, a post she has held for the past eight years. Throughout her tenure as a board member, Nickels has championed public education by serving as the board’s legislative representative. She also served on the Board’s Audit and Tours committees, the Human Resources Committee, and as the board’s vice president.

On March 15, Nickels’ formal service to the district will draw to a close. Nickels announced her resignation from the board in February, and her last board meeting will be Monday, March 11.

“Mavis has always put the interests of students above all else in her time on the board,” said Superintendent Mark Ross. “Her experience as a classroom teacher has given her a keen insight as to what it takes to help students be successful. Mavis’ strong involvement with policy issues at the state level and positive relationships with area legislatures has always helped to put the needs of our district at the forefront in Olympia. Her tireless work for the students and staff of Battle Ground Public Schools will be truly missed.”

“Mavis embodies everything a board member should be: involved, caring, intelligent and a steward of change when needed,” said Troy McCoy, Board President and Director of District 3. “Every time she makes a decision, Mavis’ first question is always ‘is this what’s best for the kids?’

Nickels grew up in Oklahoma, and after graduating college, she and her husband were both teaching in Oklahoma City. The couple eventually relocated to the Pacific Northwest after accepting a job offer, and chose to settle down in Battle Ground after researching public schools in the area. Nickels started out as a substitute teacher at Battle Ground High School, and was soon recruited to work as a full-time math and chemistry teacher at Prairie High School.

When her term as board director is officially over, Nickels said she’s looking forward to reading novels again, a favorite pastime that she simply hasn’t had time for due to the demands of being on the board. She’s also looking forward to playing piano, painting, and being more physically active in her spare time.

Even though Mavis’ time on the board of directors is almost up, she still plans to be heavily involved in supporting local education, and she encourages others to do the same.

“There’s so many things the community can do to help support students,” Nickels said. “People can go to their local school and volunteer to read to kids, be a mentor or a lunch buddy, help collect contributions for food and clothing drives, or help teach students how to prepare for a job and life after high school.”

“Mavis cares so much about everyone that it’s infectious,” said Tina Lambert, Director of District 5. “She is dedicated to BGPS’ teachers, staff and parents, but it’s always apparent that the kids are her first priority. It has been a delight to work with her on the board, and I will miss her tremendously. I wish her all the best.”