By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Bowling Green Board of Education on Tuesday discussed the welcome support of the city administration and the unwelcome threat of the state’s shift toward funding private schools with public school money.
Superintendent Francis Scruci talked about Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher voicing his support for new school buildings. The city needs to help the district achieve its goal for new facilities, according to the mayor.
“For our community to thrive, the schools need to be a part of that,” Scruci said of the mayor’s address. “I want to thank the mayor for making that one of his goals.”
During his State of the City Address in early April, Aspacher stressed that modern school buildings will positively impact the entire community.
“As the only school district in Wood County that hasn’t updated its facilities, this puts Bowling Green at a disadvantage,” the mayor stated in his speech.
The investment in school facilities will support the city’s economic development efforts which are focused on attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses, and will also result in increased property values and expansion of the city’s tax base, Aspacher said.
“Modern, well-equipped school buildings are a factor when people are choosing where to live. Additionally, schools are an important part of a community. Schools are a hub for activities and events. They build community pride. They enhance lives and community both today and tomorrow.”
The mayor acknowledged that conversations about school buildings have been difficult and polarizing in the community.
“I hope, as we go through the next round of discussions, that we can pull together and determine that we as a community need to step up, be bold, be proactive, and make these discussions a reality.”
And now is the time, he said.
“It is critically important that we pass a bond levy in order to begin to invest in our school facilities. This investment will not only result in new and modern school buildings, it will also reaffirm our community to education and make clear our desire to maintain the standard of excellence established by those who came before us. It is our time,” Aspacher said in his address.
In other business at the school board meeting, community member Rick Busselle gave the board an update on the Backpack Bill as it progresses through hearings in Columbus.
Busselle reported that one of the proponents of the bill said the estimated $1.1 billion that could shift from public to private schools will likely be lower. And that is because, Busselle added, not all students will be welcomed in private schools. Private schools can deny entry of students with special needs, with no explanation.
Also, many low income families will not be able to pay the difference between the amount the state will pay for private schooling and the amount that private schools are charging, Busselle said.
Busselle asked those present at the school board meeting to contact their local legislators in Columbus – both who are in favor of the Backpack Bill.
“Let’s try to talk them out of it,” he said.
The Bowling Green Board of Education has already voted to join a statewide lawsuit against the moving of education monies from public to private schools.
“He has not overstated any of it,” board member Ginny Stewart said of the information presented by Busselle.
“This district and this board is part of the fight,” she said, noting the unconstitutionality of the Backpack Bill which undermines public education.
“They need to know people are paying attention,” Stewart said of the state legislators.
Also at the board meeting, Stewart reported on the list of needs at each school building, as she does each month. The list is smaller, she said, since the end of the school year is approaching. The buildings need bottled water, tissues and individually wrapped snacks. The items can be dropped off at the Middle School Bobcat Basics program, where they will be dispersed to the other school buildings.
Stewart offered her “sincere thanks for all the support we have had this entire year.”
“We are truly grateful and we hope this will continue on into the next school year,” she added.
Stewart also pointed out that parents and guardians, whose financial situations have changed, can still apply for free and reduced lunches for their children.
Scruci read the list of donations made to the school district in the past month – totaling $10,612. The donations included funding for Bobcat Basic snacks, school supplies, unpaid lunch bills, the DECA International Career Development Conference, the After Prom, Drama Club, softball program, 1BookBG and scholarships.
“Thank you to all of those donors,” Scruci said.
Board member Tracy Hovest reported on the improvements made to the district’s athletic facilities, including a new sound system in the high school gym, some new uniforms, windscreens and scoreboards. Some improvements are being funded by community support, she said.
“A lot of good things have been going on,” Hovest said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved transfers of $80,000 in pipeline tax revenue to the turf maintenance fund. Treasurer Cathy Schuller said the board sets that amount aside each year in preparation for the replacement of the turf in 12 to 15 years.
The board also approved the transfer of $1.2 million in pipeline tax revenue from the general fund into the capital projects fund. Schuller explained the pipeline revenue is all restricted for capital projects. This amount from the Rover Pipeline included dollars it had been delinquent in paying from the previous year, plus penalties, she said.
