By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A small group of “squeaky wheels” marched in downtown Bowling Green this evening to generate support for in-school classes for their children.
“We understand we might not have a huge turnout,” said Jessica Swaisgood, head of the parent group called BG VOICE. “We’re here to symbolize that we are the squeaky wheels and we are not going anywhere.”
Sixteen people carrying “Open BG Schools” signs walked from Wooster Green to the Bowling Green City Schools administrative offices on Clough Street.
Among the marchers was Jeff Young, whose family recently moved to Bowling Green from out of state.
“I would like to see the kids back in school. The lack of socialization is tough,” said Young, who has a junior in high school.
His concerns stretch beyond this year, as upperclassmen take classes to prepare them for college. “I’m fearful of what’s going to happen next year,” he said.
Also joining in the march was Melissa Hill, who has four children who go to BG City Schools. She worries about her child with an IEP being left behind, and her children who excel losing their love for school.
“I can see everything deteriorating,” Hill said.
Swaisgood realizes the group wanting in-person classes is waging a tougher battle each day that COVID-19 numbers climb higher in the area. And while she appreciates the board of education creating a matrix setting thresholds for when students could safely return to school, she questions the high bar set by the matrix.
“Realistically, kids aren’t going to get into school for a very long time,” Swaisgood said, referring to the matrix adopted by the school board last week. “We’re asking them to take a look at it and make it realistic.”
Both Swaisgood and Hill said it would have been helpful had the board of education created the matrix at the beginning of the school year.
“I feel that should have occurred earlier,” Hill said.
The BG VOICE group has asked the school district to offer families a choice during the coronavirus pandemic. Currently only virtual classes are being offered. The group would like the option of in-person classes for students who are struggling with online learning and the absence of socialization.
Bowling Green City Schools is the only district in Wood County to not offer some form of in-person classes so far this school year. As the COVID-19 numbers spike in the county, the school board has viewed virtual classes as the safest for students, staff and the community.
BG VOICE has hired an attorney to work with the organization to get students back in school. Swaisgood said at the march that the name of the attorney working with the group is not yet being released.
