By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After nine years of watching students blossom at Kenwood Elementary School, Principal Kathleen Daney is retiring in July.
“I love the kids,” Daney said after Tuesday’s Bowling Green Board of Education meeting. And she is crazy about the Kenwood staff. “They are totally kid-focused.”
Daney came to Kenwood Elementary as principal in the 2013-14 school year. Prior to that, she worked at Toledo Public Schools as an interventional specialist and math teacher.
“Kids are always kids – wherever I went,” she said.
Daney chose to work with elementary students at Bowling Green City Schools.
“It’s the biggest opportunity for change and influence,” she said of working with the youngest students.
Superintendent Francis Scruci said Daney excelled at her job because she is so child-centered.
“She’s touched the lives of thousands of kids who came through the building,” he said.
“Kathleen will be sorely missed,” Scruci said. “She’s been a valuable part of our team. We’re losing a quality person.”
Also at the meeting, Scruci announced the retirement of Sherry Betancourt. She joined the district’s food service team in 1997, retiring in April from the position of food service manager at Conneaut Elementary.
In other business, Board President Jill Carr reported on the sustained decrease in COVID cases in the Bowling Green area since March of 2020.
“I’m hoping we are getting closer to the end of this pandemic,” she said.
Carr also noted a “greater sense of optimism in the district right now.”
The district just shifted to “masks recommended” rather than mandated. Scruci noted that this week’s COVID cases in the 43402 ZIP code area total 62, compared to 791 on Jan. 22.
Scruci said the mini-splits air conditioning systems will be delivered soon, with installation to be completed by the beginning of the school year in August.
In other business, Scruci reported on donations totaling $1,395 in the last month. Board member Ginny Stewart said while the community has been very generous, the needs are constant.
The Middle School, Kenwood and Crim Elementary are all in need of simple water bottles – nothing fancy, Stewart said.
The Bobcat Basics program at the high school is in need of self-care items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, combs, chapstick, body wash and deodorant.
“These needs don’t stop. They go on and on and on,” Stewart said.
Also at the meeting, the board approved the 21 teachers who signed up for training for the district’s new Dyslexia Task Force. The law requiring the task force goes into effect next year.
“It’s going to be a good thing for the district. These people are stepping up,” Scruci said of the teachers.
The board also acknowledged the new school-family liaison position for the district, and the addition of another therapist to keep up with mental health needs of students.
