By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Meeting times and mindsets were discussed Tuesday by the Bowling Green Board of Education.
Superintendent Francis Scruci suggested that those citizens attending the first school task forces meeting should leave any negativity at the door.
“There are no longer ‘yes’ people. There are no longer ‘no’ people,” Scruci said. “If you have preconceived ideas, my recommendation is – stay home.”
The task forces will meet Aug. 28, at 7 p.m., in the high school cafeteria. More than 100 citizens have signed up to serve on two tasks forces looking at the school district’s future. The tasks forces will focus on school finances and on facilities.
“You have to come with open minds and open ears,” Scruci said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, board member Norm Geer made a motion that the time of school board meetings be changed from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. He suggested that the new time be tried as a trial run in September through December to see if it might allow more citizens to attend board meetings.
“I’ve heard many people say the 5 o’clock time isn’t convenient for the general public,” Geer said.
Board member Paul Walker said he believed the reasoning for the 5 p.m. meeting time was to make it easier for teachers and school administrators to attend.
Geer noted the number of school staff in the audience over citizens present.
Board member Bill Clifford said he had also heard from community members who liked the earlier meeting time.
“We’ve had a large contingency at the 5 o’clock meetings,” though not at this Tuesday’s meeting, Clifford said.
Board member Ginny Stewart said she understands the request for a 6 p.m. meeting time. However, she also noted that teachers and administrators get early starts and late meetings lead to very long days. But Stewart also said that community attendance is important.
Board President Jill Carr suggested that the matter be tabled till the next board meeting, so board members can get more input from the public and so the matter can be placed on the agenda for discussion.
The board voted in favor of tabling the motion, except for Clifford.
