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How much would it cost me?
The estimated rate for the levy would be $1.76 per $1,000 of assessed value each year. For a $650,000 home, that would be $1,144 per year, or $95 per month.

The actual rate will depend on the amount of new construction in the district. If new homes are built within the district's boundaries, the total amount would be spread out among more taxpayers and the rate would decrease.

How would this levy rate compare to other districts?
If the levy passes, Battle Ground residents’ tax rate for local schools will be an estimated $2.21. The average tax rate for local schools in Clark County is $3.20. See a comparison of local tax rates for 2026. Battle Ground is the only district without this type of levy. If approved, the new levy would start in 2027.

Is this an added tax?
Property owners are not paying taxes for this type of levy in 2026. The last time that taxpayers paid for an educational programs and operations levy was in 2025. If this levy is approved, taxes would start in 2027.

How have levy rates changed over time?

How much money would the levy bring to BGPS schools?
 If approved, the levy would bring in the following amounts over three years:

• $37.03 million in 2027

• $38.69 million in 2028

• $40.43 million in 2029

By law, the district cannot collect any more than the amount that voters approve.

How did the district decide on the amount?
Using input from community members, parents, staff and students, the district developed four potential amounts for the school board to consider. After reviewing the options and areas that would be funded, the board decided on the proposed levy.

How did the district decide what would be included in the levy?
Input by community members, parents, staff and students helped the district understand the priorities. See the input. In addition, district leaders reviewed prior community input on budget cuts.

Would the levy bring back all of the things that were cut?
The district will not be able to return all of the programs, positions and services that have been cut over the past two years. The restored items would be based on community input collected through surveys, listening sessions and other methods. Additional budget cuts may still be needed in future years due to rising costs.

Are tax exemptions available?
Yes. Some people may be eligible for a property tax exemption. Learn more.

What does the state pay for?
State funding provides much of the district’s budget. However, state funding does not fully cover the cost of things like safety and security, special education, career and college preparation classes, mental health services, the arts, sports and more.

As Washington state’s operating budget has increased, the percentage that goes toward funding K-12 education has decreased. In 2019, 51.6% of the state’s budget was dedicated to K-12 education. By 2025, it had decreased to 43.23%. Learn more.

Why has district spending increased?
Spending has gone up because there are more students attending school in the district. Enrollment has increased more than 10% since the 2021-22 school year (source: OSPI report card). More students means increased staffing and operating costs.

At the same time, the cost to operate schools and meet state requirements also has gone up. For example, in a five-year span:

• Insurance costs rose 84%

• Utilities increased 30%-60%

• Supply costs grew by 31%-68%

How can I see the district's financial information?
BGPS provides financial information on its website, during public school board meetings and in publicly available reports submitted to the state of Washington.  In 2026, Battle Ground Public Schools passed a financial audit by the Washington state auditor’s office.

Do developers pay money toward schools?
Yes. Impact fees paid by developers and new home owners go toward schools. However, these fees can be used for only facility projects listed in the approved capital facilities plan. They cannot be used for operating costs.

How is the district able to build a new warehouse and building for Battle Ground Virtual Academy without a levy?
Those projects are paid for through impact fees. Learn more about funding for capital facility projects.

In addition, the district is receiving money from a capital levy that is being used to make repairs and build or upgrade spaces for construction trades, culinary and health sciences classes. Capital levies cannot be used to pay for operating costs or teacher salaries.

How much does Battle Ground spend per student?
Battle Ground spent $18,168 per student in the 2024-25 school year.

Why does Battle Ground spend more per student than private schools do?
Public schools must serve all students who attend them. Services such as buses, meals, counseling and health monitoring are all part of what public schools provide. These services cost money.

Private schools generally set their own admission policies and may charge tuition. They must follow the law and meet state requirements, but they may not offer the same range or level of services as public schools do. Some students who attend private schools receive services from public school districts such as speech therapy, special reading or math help, counseling or physical therapy. Public schools educate students with many different needs and serve the wider community.

How much do school board members make?
By law, the maximum amount that a board member may receive is $4,800 per year. Any board member may waive some or all this amount. Some board members choose to donate their compensation to the Battle Ground Education Foundation.

Does Battle Ground have more district administrators than other districts of a similar size?
In other Washington state districts with 10,000 to 15,000 students, the average number of district administrators is 33. Battle Ground has 13,000 students and 21 administrators.

What is the difference between a levy and a bond measure?
In general, levies provide for learning, maintenance and operations. The district's capital levy pays for minor building repairs, safety improvements and some technology.

Bonds go toward buildings. Battle Ground voters last approved a bond in 2005 to finance the construction of several new schools, additions and improvements. That bond expired at the end of 2023.

How often can the district run a levy?
State law allows two attempts per calendar year.

How many WA state districts have levies?
The following map from OSPI show local levy funding. Battle Ground is the only district with more than 10,000 students that does not currently have an educational programs and operations levy.