The Battle Ground Community And Schools Together Podcast is a podcast produced by the community in cooperation with the Battle Ground School District. The goal of this podcast is to give the community a voice in the school district, while at the same time bringing the true voice of the school district to the people. We will have weekly conversations with Denny Waters, the District Superintendent as well as other school and community leaders. Building on the rich history of Battle Ground, we're ready to start telling a new story for a new generation.
What Happens if Battle Ground Schools Run Out of Money? | T.J. Kelly, OSPI CFO
What happens when a school district can no longer balance its budget? Could the state take control of local schools? And how close is Battle Ground Public Schools to that possibility?
In this conversation, Shelly and David sit down with T.J. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer for Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), to discuss the financial challenges facing Battle Ground Public Schools and school districts across Washington.
We explore what happens when a district enters state financial oversight, how much local control could be lost, what the consequences might be for students and families, and what another failed school levy could mean for Battle Ground.
But the conversation goes beyond our local district. With multiple Washington school districts already under state oversight, we examine the larger questions surrounding school funding, rising operating costs, unfunded mandates, and the increasing dependence on local taxpayers.
Is Battle Ground facing a unique financial crisis, or is its situation part of a much larger problem with how Washington funds public education?
This conversation is intended to help our community understand the facts, the risks, and the decisions ahead.
10 Sept 2026
Serving The Community; Preserving Stories
In this episode of BG CAST, we look at two different ways people are serving the Battle Ground community, through local service and through preserving history.
First, we talk with Battle Ground Rotary Club President Michael Ernest and Public Image Chair Becky Hanenkrat about the role Rotary plays in our community. We discuss the club’s support of local schools, including a recent $1,000 school supply donation to Laurin Middle School, scholarships for Battle Ground students with an emphasis on technical and trade education, support for Rocksolid Teen Center, and the many ways Rotary members work together to meet needs throughout the Battle Ground area.
Then, we’re joined by Chief Umtuch Middle School teacher Beth Doughty to talk about the National History Day Researching Silent Heroes project. Beth was one of just 61 educators nationwide, and the only educator from Washington state, selected to participate in the program. She shares about her research into Staff Sergeant Clifford Henry Mast, a Spokane-area airman who served during the Korean War, and the importance of preserving the stories of people whose service might otherwise be forgotten.
16 Jul 2026
Building Literacy, One Student at a Time with Read NW
In this episode, we learn more about Read NW, a local organization helping students strengthen their literacy skills through consistent, one-on-one reading support. Executive Director Brook Trang and founder and board member Rich Brosius explain how volunteers meet with the same student once a week for about 30 minutes, building both reading confidence and meaningful relationships throughout the school year.
Read NW currently serves students at Daybreak, Glenwood Heights, Maple Grove and Pleasant Valley primary schools, as well as schools in other districts. We also hear about Bites & Books, a special event Read NW is hosting in partnership with the Battle Ground Education Foundation this March for first graders and their families.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
4.2 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
40
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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