By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Yes, plans for the proposed new high school will be presented to the public soon. And yes, the district has applied for state funding for the project.
Bowling Green Board of Education President Ryan Myers began Tuesday’s board meeting trying to clear up those concerns rumbling through social media.
Plans for the proposed new Bowling Green High School will be revealed on Aug. 30, at 6 p.m., in the Performing Arts Center.
“I want to encourage our entire community to attend this meeting,” Myers said.
And as for the state funding, “we plan to take all the money the state will give us,” he said. The district has applied to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for funds through the Expedited Local Partnership Program, and is waiting to hear if funding will be awarded.
Myers said the new high school core team has been meeting with representatives of DLR Group, the architects for the building project.
“The conversations have been great,” he said.
Along with presenting the proposed rendering of the new school, the meeting next Wednesday will answer questions such as:
- How it was determined what size was needed.
- Why different spaces are being proposed.
- What’s included in the building project.
- Where exactly the new school will be built.
- Types of energy to be used at the building.
- Will it be all new construction or some renovations of old spaces as well.
- How the district will get the maximum space while watching costs.
The new high school will be designed to meet the needs of current students and those for years to come, Myers said.
The district is seeking a bond issue raising $72.8 million over 30 years, to fund the construction of a high school and related facilities, plus renovations and improvements of existing facilities. The issue will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Also at Tuesday’s board meeting, new Superintendent Ted Haselman reported he is working with the City of Bowling Green to get funding from the Safe Route to Schools program, possibly to fund sidewalks where there are none.
The board also approved a policy stating that coaches and other staff can only communicate with students on board approved technology platforms. Board Vice President Tracy Hovest explained that communication platforms that allow erasing of messages will not be permitted.
