The Facilities Task Force toured five BGCS schools and reviewed all assessments (Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, architects, and BG Police). BG Police Division recommended one school as best for security and safety and 61% of members supported a new single school. Data also illustrated that two 65-year-old schools are aged, obsolete, and renovation to meet modern educational needs is not reasonable. One building, built for 21st century standards, is best for all students and curricular areas and it is the fiscally responsible choice.
Kenwood (79%) and Conneaut (78%) are far above the OFFC renovate / replace ratio of 66%. “Updating all the mechanical/HVAC equipment… would seem cost prohibitive” (OFCC). In obsolete schools, spaces are too small, not flexible for small group and individual work, lack space for specialized student needs and modern technology (e.g. laptops, etc.), and have limited security and privacy. Inadequate size results in overcrowded areas. All spaces in one school were below state size standards. All schools are below size standards for projected enrollment in 2025-26 (OFCC).
Children in this transient society need stability and one school provides consistency and equality. Students will have continuity of teachers and classmate-relationships from k-12. Students who move will remain in the same classroom. Separate is not equal and one school equalizes resources and class size, an important factor in learning. Proximity enhances availability of specialists, content collaboration, and teacher communication about student needs.
Spaces in a new school would be designed for all students and curricular areas. Currently, “Special education spaces are not adequately provided to meet instructional needs” and “Spaces do not meet ADA accessibility requirements” (OFCC). 1950’s schools did not service special needs students so current intervention services often have ‘make-do’ spaces. Children with sensory needs were on a raised stage, crowded with storage, and a curtain separating them from noisy physical education classes. The number of students who need special support continues to increase. In one school, specialists will have more time spent supporting students due to eliminated travel time between buildings. Curricular areas such as music will have specialized instructional and storage space rather than music ‘on a cart.’ Teaching will be done in instructional areas and not hallways.
The task force listed HVAC, Space/Flexible Teaching, Technology, Security, and Environment as highest needs. The aged schools are obsolete and not functional. “Learning is adversely affected because of this” (OFCC). All mechanical/HVAC systems, building materials and plumbing fixtures are “old and outdated.” “ventilation …is inadequate,” “…asbestos in the buildings” and “Restrooms do not meet required number of fixtures.. and ADA..” Walls/ceilings are “deteriorating with age,” and “Wall outlets are scarce” (OFCC). Children wear coats due to obsolete heating systems. Mold abatement is required and poor air quality is not healthy. Go to https://tinyurl.com/FTF100 for videos of school conditions and https://tinyurl.com/FTF99 for more information.
Each child deserves a quality learning environment to grow to their own full potential. Children are our nation’s most precious resource and we have a moral and civic responsibility to support them. I encourage citizens to vote YES for the levy and YES for our children. The children are our future.
Linda Lander
Bowling Green
