Director, District 4
Term expires: 2027
After 30 years of pastoral ministry in California and raising three children, Terry Tate and his wife, Margaret, moved to Washington state, where he completed a master’s degree in cross-cultural education and became a teacher in Othello. After working as a middle school math/science teacher for seven years and completing his National Board certification, he took an assignment with Battle Ground Public Schools. Terry taught eighth grade at Laurin Middle School for five years. In his retirement, he continues to commit significant time and resources to the development of chess clubs and activities throughout Clark County.
Director, District 3
Term expires: 2029
A U.S. Air Force veteran and a project manager in the manufacturing sector, Chris has decades of experience managing people, budgets, infrastructure and long-range planning. He holds a Master of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor of Science from Thomas Edison State University. Chris is involved with Battle Ground Young Life and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also serves as an active youth mentor and advocate.
Director, District 1
Term expires: 2029
Lorri spent 37 years in the classroom, including 32 years in Battle Ground Public Schools, as a primary/elementary teacher. She holds a Master of Education from City University and achieved National Board certification in the area of Early Middle Childhood Literacy. During her career, Lorri was involved with the Battle Ground Education Association, served on multiple curriculum adoption committees and mentored numerous student teachers. She continues to volunteer in schools and is involved with her local church in Battle Ground. She and her husband reside in Yacolt with their son. Lorri enjoys spending time with her family and cats.
“I love this district, its students and community and am thrilled to serve in this role to help make it even better!”
Director, District 2
Term expires: 2027
Debbie Johnson is an assistant manager at Columbia River Mental Health Services. Previously, she was a Head Start teacher and educated children for 27 years. She also worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and was a foster parent, 4-H leader and youth director. Debbie holds an Associate of Science in early childhood education from Clark College and a Bachelor of Science in human development from George Fox University. She and her spouse are the proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Director, District 5
Term expires: 2029
Marshall’s career includes 25 years of experience in business and sales roles across a variety of industries. He also has seven years of experience in behavioral support and training for families with at-risk youth. Marshall holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from Utah State University and is completing his Master of Business Administration. Past volunteer work includes serving on the district’s Citizens Advisory Committee, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, assisting Parent-Teacher Associations, helping in classrooms and serving in his church as a youth leader. He and his wife, Jennifer, have raised four children, all of whom graduated from Battle Ground schools.
Student representative
Term expires: June 2026
Itzel is a senior at Prairie High School.
The Battle Ground Public Schools board of directors believes that:
High-quality, personalized instruction leads to challenging, engaging learning environments that graduate students who are prepared for college and/or careers. The district supports instructional staff members with resources and professional development to reach this expectation.
Students learn best in safe environments that support and promote their physical, social and emotional well-being through extracurricular activities, school sports, appropriate learning resources and clear expectations.
Mutually beneficial partnerships that foster two-way communication with families and the community increase engagement and benefit student learning.
Financial responsibility and transparency ensure spending that maximizes student achievement and success.
Staff members are vital to the success of the district. Each staff member brings unique and valuable knowledge, skills, talents and expertise to their role, and their contributions are acknowledged and respected.
Student voice is valuable and should be nurtured. Students’ experiences are enriched when they are heard and supported.
Board policies are stored in BoardDocs for easy viewing.
While parts of personnel and student records are private, much of the information gathered and recorded by school districts, as with any government agency in Washington, is a matter of public record and open to the public. Likewise, meetings of the elected members of the board are open except under certain circumstances. Read the Washington attorney general's guide to both laws.
The Washington State School Directors’ Association and Battle Ground Public Schools have prepared information for residents who are curious to learning more about the role of a school board member.
