By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Board of Education is starting 2025 with new officers, a new high school in the works, a new policy for open enrollment, and new plans to reach out to district residents who may feel unheard.
Prior to the regular board meeting Tuesday evening, the board held an organizational meeting, during which new leadership is elected each year. Norm Geer was elected president, and Ardy Gonyer as vice president.
Superintendent Ted Haselman and Geer thanked Tracy Hovest, board president in 2024, for her service. Geer acknowledged Hovest’s communication skills and preparation for meetings.
“She’s given us leadership during a time when we’ve accomplished a lot,” Geer said.
The board will continue holding its regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m., in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center. Board member Peggy Thompson asked that at least one of the monthly meetings be held in a location in the district outside of Bowling Green. Geer agreed that was a good idea.
Thompson also suggested that the board make efforts to reach out to people in the district, “who feel like they’re not being heard.”
Haselman pointed out that he is hosting another “coffee chat” for anyone to attend on Jan. 23, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Novel Blends in downtown Bowling Green.
Board member Ryan Myers said he supported outreach for the entire community, where district residents can have access to board members in more relaxed settings where conversations can take place. Hovest agreed, as long as all in the district are included.
After the board meeting, Thompson said she believes it’s important to offer people other opportunities to express their concerns, since they may be intimidated by the superintendent and the formality of a board meeting.
Also at the meeting, the board voted to change the district’s open enrollment policy. The previous policy allowed students from adjacent school districts to enroll at Bowling Green City Schools. The new policy will allow students from anywhere in Ohio to open enroll at BG.
“It’s an opportunity for some students to join us here,” Haselman said.
Hovest thanked the superintendent for putting forth the change.
Haselman also gave the public an update on the progress of the new high school. Right now, the building is still in the planning process – with 17 different meetings behind held this month alone, he said.
By late winter, work will begin on the geothermal wells. And by summer, construction will start.
“I promise, this coming spring we’ll have a ribbon cutting,” Haselman said.
In other business, Haselman reported on donations made to the school district last month – totaling $6,287. Donations were made for school lunches, Model UN, Bobcat Basics, food, clothing, and winter outerwear.
Hovest listed off student needs at school buildings, including packaged snacks like crackers, fruit snacks and granola bars; disposable water bottles; small and unisex sweatpants, plus boys’ and girls’ underwear and socks for elementary students. Bobcat Basics is currently in need of laundry detergent, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, kids’ rain boots (size 5-12), adult shoes, and individually wrapped snacks.
In other business at the board meeting, Jean Geist announced the MLK Jr. Day of Service in Bowling Green on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when items will be collected for the Brown Bag Food Project at Grounds for Thought. The items most needed are:
- Toiletries for men, women and children.
- Women’s hygiene products.
- Baby items, such as wipes and other products.
- Large diapers (sizes 4-6) and pull-ups. Brown Bag currently has a surplus of the smaller sizes.
