Board members described a January tour of Battle Ground High School that showcased career and technical education (CTE) classes, student-run projects and school-run student stores, and they raised follow-up safety and operational items for staff.

Directors said they visited woodworking, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry and construction classrooms and praised the instruction and student engagement. Several trustees highlighted a jewelry class that teaches students design, production and marketing skills; one trustee noted the district offers community jewelry classes on Wednesdays.

Board member Debbie Johnson said she was struck by the choir’s tone and student focus, while others pointed to improved classroom culture and a decline in visible cellphone use across classrooms since the district’s phone policy was reinforced.

Trustees asked about woodshop noise and hearing protection. Facilities staff and others reported that Mr. Parker tested the shop and that measured decibel levels fell below the thresholds that would trigger additional restrictions for the durations observed. Staff said Safety/HR lead Sherry Daley was checking with ClearRisk (the district’s risk-management adviser) to confirm the district’s protocols and recommendations for ear protection and procedures.

Directors also described noninstructional items they saw: a student-run store where items are sold for $1 each, a CBC program that provides tea and snacks as a life-skills project, and other hands-on programs including floral design and a vocational student-run coffee/tea service. Technology Director Scott McDaniel responded to a board request after the tour by replacing a slow Chromebook for a special-education student; staff reported the student and teacher provided a thank-you card.

Facilities staff said other projects continue across the district, including an energy-savings ESCO project, a new stadium scoreboard nearing completion and progress on a Central Operations building and primary school construction.