We live on North Wintergarden road in the Conneaut elementary district area. Our three sons were bussed across town to Crim for elementary school in the 80”s as Conneaut did not have sufficient classroom space and class sizes were unbalanced.
Over 30 years later the same problems exist. We have not had neighborhood schools since the 1950’s when the original buildings were built. 90% of the students are beyond walking distance and most are bussed in from miles away. Neighborhood schools simply do not exist for the majority of students. Retaining the existing school locations would mean the same problems of unbalanced class size will persist into the future. The current schools are no longer in the center of the school district population areas. Even if schools were placed in the center of today’s student population they will not be there in the future as neighborhoods change.
The current plan addresses school location and size by grouping grade levels together in a schools within a school concept, grouped as K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. This will put about 400 students in each of these 3 groups in the same building but in separate areas This is less than the average elementary school size of about 450 we have seen quoted by small schools proponents. There will be less kids in these schools within a school than there are at Conneaut now. This plan puts all grade level resources at one location and will allow the school system to better address reading level test deficiencies in a comprehensive manner. All students will have the same educational opportunities. Class size will be basically the same for all classrooms.
We will also have reduced long term cost by operating one building. Parent drop off and pickup will be safer and more efficient. Common spaces such as the gym and cafeteria will be of sufficient size to accommodate all students. We will have a dedicated rooms for music and art and sufficient classroom space so we don’t have kids in trailers. Class size can be balanced without redistricting now and into the future. There will be a modern HVAC system that heats, cools, filters, dehumidifies and circulates fresh air as well as a modern fire alarm and fire suppression system. Electrical capacity will be adequate for today’s needs. We will have adequate restroom facilities that are handicap accessible. Security will be greatly improved with one controlled access point for visitors.
What is most important is that it will provide the best possible educational situation and facilities for all our elementary students. Our kids will no longer be in inadequate, substandard buildings that inhibit learning.
We believe the One Community, One School solution is the best educational and fiscally responsible long term solution to resolve the poor condition of our school buildings which are outdated, inadequate and just plain worn out.
The One Community, One School solution also resolves class size and redistricting problems that have existed for over 30 years and eliminates them happening in the future. It will put our kids in the best possible educational environment now and into the future. One that also provides better security and a healthier learning environment.
We think spending our money to give kids a decent learning environment as a way to pay it forward as others did for us and our children.
There is no better investment than the education of our children.
We are asking Bowling Green School District residents to join us in voting for the One Community, One School solution that will bring our elementary schools up to date and take us into the future.
Ken and Irene Rieman
Bowling Green
