In this episode of BG CAST, we sit down with Superintendent Shelly Whitten and Assistant Superintendent Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray to get to know the people leading Battle Ground and the values shaping their vision for the district. Shelly shares her three guiding principles—keeping students at the center of every decision, valuing honesty and feedback, and holding herself and others to high expectations—along with her personal story as a Battle Ground native whose life was shaped by a local teacher. Lynnell reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to district leadership and the importance of thoughtful, responsible systems that support students and staff. We also spotlight the Pleasant Valley Middle School band, joined by director James deBra, celebrating their Sweepstakes Award win at the 2025 Junior Rose Parade and the collaboration across schools that makes student music programs thrive.

This episode features Yacolt PE teacher Daniela Alexakis, founder of the Yacolt Primary Running Club, where students logged an impressive 13,769 miles during the 2024–25 school year. Daniela shares how the club boosts activity, confidence, and connection among students—earning her recognition as a Learn Here Hero and an honoree of Identity Clark County. We also talk with Brandon Case from First Student and Karen Bisson, BGPS transportation supervisor, about what it takes to safely transport nearly 9,900 students across 273 square miles, including early-morning winter road checks, behavior-management training, and tools like the parent bus-tracking app.

Today on the show, we’re talking with two key figures in Battle Ground Public Schools history: former Superintendent Mark Ross and the district's next leader, Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten. Mark, who served as superintendent from 2017 to 2021, reflects on his tenure. Shelly, a Battle Ground High School graduate with a 30-year career spanning teaching, administration, and human resources, discusses her deep roots in the community and her vision for the future as she prepares to become Superintendent.