By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
During a special meeting this evening, Bowling Green Board of Education prepared to bid goodbye to a talented teacher and a terrible 2020.
Superintendent Francis Scruci announced that teacher Lane Hakel will be retiring at the end of the school year. Hakel, a sixth grade social studies teacher, has been with the district for 22 years.
“Lane’s an outstanding teacher in the district – very talented,” Scruci said, surmising that Hakel may have more time now to share that talent on stage with the Black Swamp Players.
“We want to wish Lane the best of luck in his retirement,” Scruci said.
Also at the special meeting, the board passed a resolution allowing for the continuation of health benefits to four transportation employees whose hours have been cut below the required amount for health benefits.
The board voted in August to continue the coverage of employees whose hours were cut due to COVID-19. The resolution will allow for the premium amounts to be taken out of their checks, so their coverage continues until in-person learning returns or the school year ends.
The benefit continuation will be made available to other classified employees if needed.
School Treasurer Cathy Schuller said the district’s share of the benefits is about $5,700 a month.
In other business, Scruci asked if the board wanted to hold a December meeting. In the past, the board has skipped meetings in July and December unless there were pressing matters to discuss.
The board members agreed to forgo the meeting, with the assurance that if the district met its matrix for returning to in-person classes, that action would occur even if the board did not meet. A special meeting will be scheduled if needed, Scruci said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Board President Ginny Stewart wished everyone happy holidays.
“Stay healthy, stay well. Please do all the right things to keep this community healthy so we can get our kids back into the classrooms,” Stewart said.
Board member Jill Carr thanked Stewart for her service as board president during a very difficult year.
“Thanks for all your very hard work, your conscientiousness, and your dedication to Bowling Green City Schools, but particularly to our students and our teachers,” Carr said.
