Teacher urges BG to unite and pass school levy

“What unites us, is much greater than what divides us” Pope John XXIII 

It is time to unite behind the students of Bowling Green and provide them with a school worthy of our community. 

I have taught for Bowling Green City Schools for 18 years, my entire career. Over the course of that time many things have changed; technology has improved, the world as we know it has evolved, fads have come and gone.  Yet through all of this, many of our buildings remain unchanged. I spent 15 years at Conneaut Elementary and the past 3 at Bowling Green Middle School. I have seen first hand the difference in working in a building that serves all students vs. a “neighborhood” school.  At the BGMS all grade level students are together in the same space, with access to the same resources. Students thrive and excel in this environment; there is a sense of community pride and unity. Working in a modern building allows students and staff to focus on student achievement.

My three sons are all students at Bowling Green City Schools.  BG has provided them with dedicated, passionate teachers who do their best regardless of the circumstances.  These circumstances often include crowded classrooms, test taking in the hall, speech services in shared spaces, inequitable resources and buildings where it is too hot to learn.  Not one of my children will benefit from a new elementary school but thousands of other students will. Teachers will be able to focus on student achievement in a modern facility, students will be able to learn and grow in a building worthy of the future generation we are raising.

This levy is an investment that cannot be measured simply by a price tag.  Investing in this building will create a more competitive school district that will draw young families to Bowling Green increasing home values, promoting job growth thereby increasing our tax base.  I urge you to unite behind the students of Bowling Green City Schools and vote yes on their future.

Heather Fallis 

Bowling Green