By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Neighbors pitted against each other by petitions to transfer properties from Bowling Green City Schools to other districts went to the polls today to vote on eight petitions.
The unofficial count Tuesday evening showed that Liberty Township and Milton Township will remain in Bowling Green School District.
A portion of Center Township will go to Eastwood. And a portion of Plain Township will go to Otsego.
The rural residents behind the petitions have said the Bowling Green school district hasn’t listened to them. And the rural residents opposed to the ballot issues said they were never asked by the petitioners if they wanted to switch their children and property to other districts.
A total of 1,368 residents were allowed to vote.
The unofficial results are:
- Center Township to Elmwood (12 voters) – Yes: 2 No: 7
- Center Township to Eastwood (126 voters) – Yes: 48 No: 20
- Henry County to Patrick Henry (3 voters) – Yes: 1 No: 0
- Jackson Township to McComb (1 voter) – Yes: 1 No: 0
- Liberty Township to Elmwood (537 voters) – Yes: 137 No: 176
- Milton Township #2 to Patrick Henry (579 voters) – Yes: 66 No: 253
- Milton Township #1 to Patrick Henry (35 voters) – Yes: 3 No: 16
- Plain Township to Otsego (75 voters) – Yes: 32 No:17
The following link shows maps and addresses of those areas on the ballot: https://www.co.wood.oh.us/BOE/2020_Aug%20Ballot%20Issues.html
“I’m very grateful that the rural community spoke loud and clear that they want to be part of Bowling Green City Schools,” BG Superintendent Francis Scruci said. “We’re really pleased they are able to be part of our district.”
“I feel sorry for those kids who wake up tomorrow morning and find out they are part of another district,” Scruci said. “They are welcome as open-enrollment students.”
All results are unofficial and do not include provisional ballots cast or absentee ballots mailed by Aug. 3. Valid provisional ballots will be included in official count to be held no later than 21 days after the election.
The petitions were circulated by Grant Chamberlain, Richard Chamberlain, Nolan Chamberlain, Dan Wilson, Brian Smith, Scott Apple, Devin Dauterman, Josh Nutter, Jennifer Adler and Jeff Avery.
Some of the petitioners represent a portion of the agricultural community and have been outspoken about what they see as an over-reliance on property taxes for the school district.
But residents of some of the petitioned areas found that they would actually be paying more taxes in the neighboring districts.
The same petitioners were also strong opponents to Bowling Green City School District’s plan to build one elementary school, stating that smaller neighborhood schools were preferable. However, four of the districts they petitioned to enter – Eastwood, Elmwood, Otsego and Patrick Henry – all have consolidated school buildings.
The land transfers petitions were the only issues on the ballot in Wood County today.
Scruci recognized the work of Richard Strow, Tara Loar, and Mike and Kelli Daniels for their efforts to educate voters.
“I think that we were able to get the word out about the ramifications,” said Strow, a Milton Township resident who united opposition to the transfer of land to Patrick Henry. “I feel really good about what we’ve done.”
“I think it’s clear the people in Milton Township have stated – they want to stay,” Strow said.
Strow is hopeful this may be the beginning of a new relationship between the school board and its rural residents. He is planning to introduce the idea of a standing advisory committee on rural issues to the school board.
“There are problems that need to be addressed,” he said.
