By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As the Bowling Green Board of Education deliberated about the superintendent search Monday evening, a group of teachers waited in the office lobby to express their concerns about the finalists.
The teachers were told they could not speak to the board during executive session, but were instead asked to email the board with their concerns.
Bob Marzola, a Conneaut Elementary teacher, said he understood the board’s reluctance to give the teachers another forum. Community and school stakeholders were all given time with the finalists last week – and opportunities to fill out feedback forms.
“The forums were our opportunity,” he said. And the board wanted to maintain a level playing field for all stakeholders, he added.
Marzola said several teachers had lingering questions about the feedback forms, and felt as if they were being asked to choose one candidate.
“Some feel very strongly that it’s a good idea to go back and look at other candidates,” Marzola said.
The school board started with 17 candidates applying for the position which will be vacated when Superintendent Francis Scruci retires this summer. The board narrowed the field to three finalists:
- Kim Brueck, director of human resources and student services at Green Local Schools, near Akron.
- Ted Haselman, superintendent at Pike-Delta-York Local Schools, in Fulton County.
- Bruce Otley, operations director, Liberty-Benton Local Schools, near Findlay.
Last week, the three finalists individually had question and answer sessions with the community. They also met with district leaders and teachers.
In spite of criticism from sections of the community, Scruci has had solid support from district teachers, who feel supported under his leadership.
The selection of the right new superintendent is vital, Marzola said.
“Anybody you talk to, this is very important,” he said. “We’re looking for someone who can move the district forward.”
During a community meeting in March about the superintendent search, a parent asked if an interim superintendent could be hired if the initial candidates aren’t right for the job.
“We need the right person,” the parent said.
Cheryl Ryan, who is assisting with the search through the Ohio School Board Association, promised a worthy candidate would be found.
“You have my 100% word, if the board is not excited about the candidate, and the candidate is not excited about coming to Bowling Green, I will suggest an interim,” Ryan said at the March meeting.
