Pictured left: The former operations building, a 1930s-era bus barn with structural issues, will be demolished to make room for the new Futures building. Right: The new Battle Ground Virtual Academy building will open in fall 2026.

Making way for new Futures building

Sitework is beginning to prepare for the construction of a new building for the Futures program. The program has outgrown its current location at the Dodge House. The new building will be located to the west of Battle Ground High School in the location of the former operations building. That building, a 1930s-era bus barn with structural issues, will be demolished.

The project also will include work on the Battle Ground High School parking lot to improve pickup and dropoff and add approximately 80 more parking spaces. It will be funded through impact fees, which are generated through new construction within the district’s boundaries and can only be used for capital projects outlined in the district's capital facilities plan.

About the program
The Futures program helps foster independence for young adults ages 18-22 who have disabilities. The program focuses on employment, life skills and community interactions. Students gain real-world experience through work opportunities at Clark County businesses.

Battle Ground Virtual Academy almost ready for move-in

In August, BGVA staff members will move from their current location on the River HomeLink campus to the new building located on Prairie High School's campus. This will free up additional space for River HomeLink.

Like the Futures building, the new BGVA is also paid for with impact fees. Using impact fees to pay for projects whenever possible means that local residents are not being asked to pay an additional tax to fund the work.

About the program
Battle Ground Virtual Academy is a digital learning school serving students in grades K-12 both virtually and onsite. Parents / guardians act as learning coaches at home, monitor progress, help with lessons and communicate with an assigned adviser. BGVA accepts students from all over the state of Washington.

See past photos of the construction progress.

Capital levy work continues

Projects funded through a 2024 voter-approved capital levy are continuing to take shape. Capital levy funds will be used to build a new construction trades building at Battle Ground High School. The construction trades building will expand hands-on learning in the fields of construction, woodworking, plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling. Local business partners in the trades identified these areas as priorities. In addition, regional data shows that these industries have strong demand in Southwest Washington. At the new construction trades building, students will have access to hands-on learning and will be able to complete simulations of real-world tasks.

Other upcoming capital levy projects include:

• Replacing the roof in the main building at Amboy Middle School. The current roof has been failing over recent years and is no longer repairable. The gym roofing was replaced in 2020.

• Completing modifications to the entryway at Battle Ground High School

• Reroofing the 28-year-old longhouse at Maple Grove Primary School.

• Replacing the carpet at Yacolt Primary School.

• Replacing old instructional technology for staff, which will help maintain reliable performance

• Upgrading the obsolete phone system

• Replacing obsolete video surveillance cameras and two-way radios for student safety

Did you know?

School districts use different sources of money to pay for capital/building projects. Generally speaking, these sources of money cannot be used to pay for day-to-day school operations. Learn more about the different sources of funding for capital projects.