By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After years of voters rejecting building projects on the ballot, Bowling Green Board of Education is switching strategies – sticking with the small elementary schools and studying a new high school.
Board President Norm Geer explained the new direction Tuesday evening during the district’s monthly meeting. He acknowledged the voters’ lack of support for one new elementary school.
“We heard this loud and clear,” he said.
So the board is looking at keeping the three elementaries – Crim, Conneaut and Kenwood – and “at a minimum” installing air conditioning at Conneaut and Kenwood, which don’t have it now.
The high school, which was built in the 1960s, has no air conditioning and does not meet today’s needs, Geer said.
“Our high school should be the flagship,” he said.
Geer believes the district has enough funding to make the improvements to the elementaries – thanks to the voters replacing temporary levies with continuing levies, which freed up money in the district’s rainy day fund. Though uncertain of the final amount, the district is getting tax revenue from the Rover pipeline, CARES Act funding, and may benefit from the federal infrastructure act, Geer said.
“We have the will and the finances to do this,” he said of the elementary improvements.
“The challenge for Bowling Green City Schools is to spend this money wisely,” he said.
After the meeting, Geer talked about the importance of improving the elementaries.
“We want to move on the elementaries as soon as possible,” he said. “We can’t afford not to do it.”
As for the high school, Geer pointed out that the voters had never been faced with a ballot issue solely for a new high school. He said he is hopeful that voters would support a half income tax – half property tax for the building.
Board members Jill Carr and Ryan Myers reported on recent walk-throughs with an architectural firm at the high school, Kenwood and Conneaut.
Myers said the firm offered five options for electric, heating and cooling improvements.
“It’s a matter of how much of an investment we want to make in our buildings,” he said.
Carr said the architects recommended the district undergo a “visioning” exercise to help reframe the building issues. “That could get us off on a positive note,” she said.
“We have a lot to accomplish this year, and we’re going to do it together,” Geer said.
Also at the meeting, the board:
- Approved a mask policy recommended by Superintendent Francis Scruci, who said the state is leaving it up to districts to adopt their own rules. Bowling Green will require masks until June 2, then make them optional.
- Heard a parent’s request that the district consider sending this year’s fifth graders to the annual fifth grade camp next year. Superintendent Francis Scruci acknowledged the camp is a great experience, but said the camp is limiting its overnight accommodations to 80. If that doesn’t change, it’s possible next year’s fifth graders will also miss camp.
- Hired Katie Bacon as the new assistant principal at the high school.
- Approved plans for a BGHS marching band trip to Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Florida, in the spring of 2022. The trip will be paid for through fundraising, booster funds, family payments and trip sponsors.
- Was asked by Richard Chamberlain if the district’s curriculum included critical race theory or 1619 Project curriculum?
- Listened to Steve Bateson express his disapproval of the district renewing its contract with financial consultant David Conley for $50,000, which is a 25% increase from last year. “That $50,000 is more than many teachers who start out for Bowling Green City Schools make,” Bateson said.
- Changed the next board meeting from June 15 to June 29.
