By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Bowling Green Board of Education made it clear Tuesday evening that the school task force discussions must remain public and that the board not be kept in the dark on the process.
“The public nature of this process is absolutely necessary,” said board president Jill Carr.
For those community members afraid to express their opinions publicly, the task force consultant volunteered to be “Ground Zero” for their comments.
After the first meetings of the financial and the facilities task forces, some members expressed concern that the information shared at those meetings was public. Some objected to updates being given to the board of education.
The task forces have been set up to determine the best options for district school facilities. The recommendations will be presented to the board of education. The board has vowed to keep a hands-off approach with the task force process – however, the board wants updates so members have the same information as those in the task force meetings.
“It’s essential that we remain informed,” Carr said.
Carr expressed her appreciation for community members on the task forces, and voiced concern about the condition of the school buildings.
“They are deteriorating right before our eyes,” she said. “Time and openness are of the essence.”
School board meeting Tuesday
Carr’s comments came after consultant David Conley reported to the board on the first financial task force meeting. He has posted the meeting on Facebook for public viewing. However, the team coordinating the facilities task force was unaware of the desire by some citizens to have meetings videotaped and reported to the board. Conley said he would make them aware.
Board member Bill Clifford said the board supported the task force process with an understanding that updates would be reported to the board.
“That was an expectation,” Clifford said.
Conley said he has been impressed with the willingness of “courageous” task force members to share their thoughts at meetings. However, those who want their comments kept confidential can relay them to Conley privately, he said.
“I’m really proud how we’ve engaged the community,” Conley said.
The first financial task force meeting was attended by about 55 community members. Conley has also heard from about 10 senior citizens unable to make the meetings who don’t have internet connections. So he is trying to find a way to get the information to them.
The next meeting of the financial task force will be Wednesday at 7 p.m., in the high school cafeteria. During that meeting, Conley said he will present answers to several questions raised at the previous meeting.
“The goal is to make sure everyone in the community is informed and that they know the truth,” he said.
The task force will talk about the makeup of the district – “who we are and where our money comes from,” he said.
Conley reported to the board that the task force has covered information on the large geographic area of the district, plus some of the election history of the district.
The history shows an “incredibly strong record of voter support” – except for the bond issues, he said. While most districts have a 33 percent passing rate for levy issues the first time around, Bowling Green’s rate is about 70 percent.
“This is a community that really does support the district,” Conley said.
Jonelle Semancik says farewell to district.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting:
- Crim third grade teacher Jonelle Semancik, who has been hired as a principal for North Baltimore Schools, bid farewell and thanked the board and Superintendent Francis Scruci for their support.
- Crim Principal Alyssa Karaffa and art teacher Noreen Overholt presented information and artwork from the school’s theme, “Take Flight.”
- The board learned that the recent presentations by Gerry Brooks hosted at the school resulted in $2,600 being donated for professional development.
- It was announced that next week is School Bus Safety Week. District Transportation Director Toby Snow reported 18 vehicles have run bus red lights so far this year in the district. Fortunately, he said, no one has been hurt.
- Board member Norm Geer reported on new school policies.
- It was announced that due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next board meeting will be Nov. 13, at 6 p.m.
- Treasurer Cathy Schuller reported on the five-year forecast for the district. That story will follow.
