BG CAST 048: BGPS First Student Transportation and Spotlight on Daniela Alexakis

Building the Future: Why Career & Technical Education Matters

What happens when schools and local industry actually work together? In this episode, we talk about the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and why programs like construction trades, welding, manufacturing, and technical education matter, not just for students, but for the future of local businesses and the Clark County workforce. Joining the conversation are Grace Child from Tradesmen Electric and Derek Huegel from Wolf Industries. Grace shares how the district’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Council helps connect classrooms to real-world industry needs, while Derek discusses the growing demand for skilled trades workers and the importance of giving students meaningful pathways into the workforce before and after graduation. We also discuss the new construction trades building, the challenges industries face in finding skilled workers, and how local levy funding helps sustain the CTE programs that prepare students for real careers right here in our community. Whether you’re a parent, student, employer, or community member, this episode explores why investing in hands-on education is really an investment in the future of Southwest Washington.

Inside Cascadia Tech Academy | Spotlight: Prairie’s iQ Credit Union Branch

In this episode, we explore two hands-on learning opportunities available to local students. First, Assistant Director Tami Oppliger and counselor Ryan Hovde join us to talk about Cascadia Technical Academy, the regional career and technical school serving students across Southwest Washington. With 20 programs, Cascadia Tech helps students explore careers and gain real-world skills before graduating high school. Then, in our Spotlight, Prairie High School teacher Jen Engelbart shares how students are gaining practical financial experience through the new student-run iQ Credit Union branch at Prairie, where students help operate a real credit union location during the school day. It’s a look at how local schools are creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students.

BG CAST Levy Bonus Episode!!!

There has been a lot of information—and misinformation—circulating about the upcoming school levy. In this bonus episode, I sit down with Battle Ground Public Schools Superintendent Shelly Whitten for a straightforward conversation to clarify what the levy is, what it replaces, and what it would mean for students, schools, and the community.

More Than the Classroom: Supporting Students Every Day

Today’s episode highlights both student talent and school leadership across the district. We begin with a brief student spotlight featuring Eva Cryblskey, a River HomeLink violinist recently named an Enspire Arts Ambassador, who shares a short performance and a few reflections on her experience. The main conversation features Assistant Principal Salina Machida of Tukes Valley Primary and Dean of Students Jamal McKenzie of Battle Ground High School. Together, they discuss the wide-ranging responsibilities of assistant principals and deans, from student discipline and safety to social-emotional support and school culture. Salina reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to National Board–certified educator and Marine Corps veteran, while Jamal shares insights from his background in school safety, athletics, and student support, including being named Washington School Safety Organization’s Security Officer of the Year. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership roles that help schools run well and support students every day.

BG CAST 49: The Future of BGPS with Shelly Whitten and Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray; Spotlight on PVM Band with James deBra

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.