Mark Watrin
Battle Ground Public Schools’ Board of Directors has named its second of two replacements for outgoing board members, selecting retired science teacher Mark Watrin last week.
Watrin was scheduled to be sworn in during the March 25 board meeting as of a March 19 news release, replacing the District 4 seat vacated by member Mavis Nickels who resigned earlier this month.
The announcement from the district regarding the appointment noted Watrin had a 40-year career as a science educator. During his tenure, he helped to develop the Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE) in the district, a half-day, science-focused program.
Watrin retired from BGPS last year where he worked as both a science teacher and a “Teacher on Special Assignment,” providing professional development to other science teachers. Watrin also worked for Educational Support District 112, Washington State University and the Vancouver and Camas school districts during his career.
Watrin serves as a Washington Science Teachers Association representative and his wife, Donna, is also a retired teacher from BGPS.
“I’ve been passionate about education ever since I got into it,” Watrin said during the application process. “I want to continue to serve and work for kids as a board member. We have a chemistry teacher saying, ‘If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate.’ I want to be part of the solution.”
Watrin’s appointment is up for election this year, after which the position will have a four-year term.
With Watrin’s appointment, the board is back to a full five members. Earlier in March the board appointed Rob Henrikson to replace Ken Root, who resigned in February, as Director of District 2.
