Battle Ground Public Schools

From left: Superintendent Denny Waters, Vice President Mark Watrin, Director Andrew Lawhon and Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten

Battle Ground Public Schools and the board of directors thanked Vice President Mark Watrin and Director Andrew Lawhon for their service. At the Nov. 27 board meeting, directors, staff and community members acknowledged Watrin and Lawhon’s impact on the district.

Watrin was appointed to the board in 2019 and elected that same year to represent district 4. A retired science teacher, Watrin served on many local and state committees during his board tenure, including the legislative, audit, Battle Ground Education Foundation and trust lands committees. He served as board president and vice president, and was recognized three times with Board of Distinction awards from the Washington State School Directors Association. Highlights of his leadership include the passage of the district’s 2021 educational programs and operations levy, advising the district throughout the pandemic, overseeing the director redistricting process and contributing to the development of a new strategic plan.

Said Waters, “Mark is a remarkable leader, a steady leader. This district runs through his blood. He epitomizes what is great about this district: the people.”

Mark continues to help teachers and students by volunteering his time to provide quality science experiences for students.

Attorney Andrew Lawhon was appointed to the board in March 2023 and represented district 2. During his time on the board, Lawhon served on the Battle Ground Education Foundation board, helped provide strategic counsel to the district, engaged in capital facilities planning and was recognized as part of the 2023 Board of Distinction award from the Washington State School Directors Association.

“Andrew loves Battle Ground Public Schools,” Waters said. “We’re sad to see him leaving us. He will greatly be missed.”

New directors representing districts 2 and 4 will be sworn in at the Dec. 11 board meeting.