The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors has approved a significant professional services contract aimed at enhancing the district's infrastructure. During the meeting on July 28, 2025, the board greenlit a $7 million contract with Robertson Fick Engineering Professionals to oversee the civil engineering for a new Central Operations Building. This facility will replace the current bus barns located at Battle Ground High School, paving the way for a modular building of approximately 10,000 square feet.
The project is set to be funded through impact fees and is expected to be completed within the next year, although the timeline may vary based on permitting and the availability of modular construction services. Board members expressed satisfaction with the contract's cost, noting that the engineering fee represents only 3.29% of the overall construction cost, which is considered an excellent deal in the industry.
In addition to the main contract approval, discussions also touched on the potential impacts of new sales tax regulations in Washington State, which could affect future professional services contracts. However, the board noted that the current contract would not be impacted by these changes.
The approval of this contract marks a significant step forward in the district's efforts to improve its facilities, directly benefiting students and staff by providing updated operational spaces. The board's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure reflects a broader goal of fostering a supportive learning environment for the community.