By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City School District remains in a remote learning mode – as do the school board meetings. But parents are itching to make their feelings known in-person during board meetings.
During Tuesday’s special meeting, the school board agreed to continue meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m.
Board member Tracy Hovest asked if in-person board meetings could be held once students return to school. She suggested perhaps holding them in the performing arts center, where there is plenty of room for social distancing.
Board member Ryan Myers asked about moving up in-person meetings if possible.
“Is there a way to do that safely now?” he asked.
The lack of meetings where citizens can have input has become an “elephant in the room” for the district, Myers said.
“They’re feeling like they have no voice,” he said. “A lot of people, when they don’t have an opportunity to talk, feel frustrated.”
Board member Norm Geer agreed that the lack of public participation is a problem.
“It’s something that’s been missing in our meetings,” he said.
Superintendent Francis Scruci said he would check with the Wood County Health Department about the limits on the number of people that can gather.
It was also suggested that the school district have its tech department see if there is a way to allow public participation via Zoom.
“It’s important,” Hovest said.
No changes will occur before the board’s next meeting on Jan. 19, when the board will again meet on YouTube.
In other business Tuesday evening, the board elected Norm Geer to serve as president and Jill Carr as vice president.
Geer praised out-going president Ginny Stewart for her service.
“Thank you for all you’ve done,” he said.
The board also agreed to establish a new school activity liaison position for a board member, with Stewart volunteering to fill that role. The role would allow Stewart to gather information on various school activities and fundraisers, so information about those events could be shared with the board and the public in a more timely fashion.
