BGPS forming committee to address overcrowding

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Battle Ground Public Schools is looking for volunteers to serve on a committee that will address overcrowding. Interested persons need to fill out the application on battlegroundps.org by Aug. 21.

The district’s four southern schools – Glenwood Heights, Laurin, and Pleasant Valley Primary and Middle – are feeling the effects of significant growth. As of June, Glenwood (built for 484 students) had 807 students, while Laurin (built for 600) had 704. The Pleasant Valley campus (built for 993 students) had 1,121 students. An enrollment forecast conducted for the district by an economic development company projects Glenwood could increase by 380 to 445 students over the next 10 years, and Laurin by 380 to 440 students.

Residents of the Battle Ground school district have rejected a construction and renovation bond three times since the fall of 2016. Among other things, funds from the bond would have gone toward a new primary and middle school and a new alternative learning campus. It would have also funded the replacement of the Pleasant Valley schools and Glenwood Heights Primary and Laurin Middle School.  



The BGPS Board of Directors asks this committee to develop specific recommendations on how to address overcrowding and continued growth. The committee will comprise 25 to 30 members representing parents, school staff, principals, district staff and community members. Parents, school staff and community members may be selected by lottery if more apply than there are positions available to serve.

The committee will meet at least six times, generally from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, between Sept. 18 and Oct. 30. Volunteers should be committed to attending all meetings to help ensure an efficient process. A contracted facilitator will lead the meetings, and committee members will be asked to talk with community members and provide feedback during the process.