By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After multiple requests, the Bowling Green Board of Education voted unanimously this morning to change its meeting times to make it easier for the public to attend – at least for a trial period.
The board held a special meeting this morning to handle some bookkeeping items, and discuss the proposed change to its regular monthly meeting times.
“There has been some support to moving the board meetings to 6 o’clock,” board member Norm Geer said. The later meeting time would make it easier for those with jobs to attend. “It would allow them to observe the workings of the board.”
Geer brought up the time change at last month’s regular board meeting, but the matter was tabled to give the board more time to get input from the community.
The board has met at 5 p.m. for years in an effort to make it easier for school staff and administrators to attend meetings.
Geer recommended a trial period for the time change.
“My suggestion was that we try it for the rest of the year,” he said.
So starting next week, on Sept. 18, the board meetings will begin at 6 p.m.
Board member Bill Clifford mentioned an email from citizen Erin Hachtel that listed the meeting times for other school boards in Wood County. The vast majority start at 6 p.m., with only Perrysburg starting earlier at 5:30 p.m.
“I’m open to the trial,” Clifford said.
Geer said he expected to have public discussion about the time change at next week’s board meeting.
“But most of those people know how to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” Geer said.
Also at Tuesday’s special meeting, the board approved the hiring of Christine Kempf as assistant treasurer, with a base annual salary of $58,500.
A total of 38 applicants expressed interest in the position, with eight being interviewed.
Kempf, who is currently assistant treasurer for Fostoria schools, has 20-plus years of experience.
Bowling Green School Treasurer Cathy Schuller said Kempf will be valuable in helping prepare for expected retirements next summer, and with cross training opportunities.
“Her experience was outstanding,” Schuller said. “I have no doubt she’ll be a great addition.”
