To the Bowling Green Community,
I am writing this in support of the upcoming Bowling Green School levy that will provide the community with a new high school. As a graduate of BGHS, it is imperative that we come together as a community and give our students a facility that will enhance their learning to meet their future needs.
Back in the early 60’s this community approved funding to build the current high school and moved from the downtown location that is now known as Wooster Green. Over the years it has provided for meeting the needs of students in the core academic subjects, provided opportunities in both the visual and performing arts, developed a top 10 vocational agriculture program and has been a source to provide many extra-curricular activities. This community has been fortunate over the years to have a place that has brought together the students from such a large geographical district. When you think of it, with students that come from as far away as: Custar, Milton, Portage and Rudolph; as well as students within the city limits of Bowling Green, it is a true melting pot of a school district.
However, over the years, the condition of the building has become an issue and the upkeep and maintenance has become a costly one. One only needs to take a tour to see that we can do better. I have always felt that the perception that we do more with less is starting to impact what we can provide for the future of our students. Larger classrooms and upgraded infrastructure to accommodate upgraded technology are just a few of the benefits our students can have. We are constantly spending to fix old rather than spending on new. I taught in two previous districts that faced the same issues that had high schools built in the same time frame as ours. The communities came together to pass levies to build new schools. Upon talking to former staff members, a direct result was increased morale, higher test scores and less student discipline issues.
Bowling Green is designated as the capital of Wood County. It has a state university located within the city limits. It has always been considered an educational community. As I was growing up, the combination of a city school district that includes a distinct rural flavor and provides some of the best agricultural products in the state of Ohio makes it unique. Why is it that we are the only school district in Wood County not to have updated facilities? Don’t kid yourself, our business climate, housing values and quality of life suffers when our school facilities don’t stand up to our neighboring communities. Our students deserve better, our community deserves better. A yes vote will ensure a positive future for our students and community.
Mike Vannett
