By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
In less than a week, Bowling Green City Schools devised a way to educate students in their homes, deliver food to them, and disinfect school buildings.
“It’s hard to believe it’s only been a week since the governor announced we’re closing down schools,” Superintendent Francis Scruci said Thursday evening during a school board meeting broadcast online out of concern about COVID-19.
“Hats off to our teachers and our staff,” Scruci said.
“This isn’t something they teach you in superintendent school,” he said.
With little direction from the state, the school district has worked to cover all bases. Administration and teachers are coming up with ways to move education from classrooms to students’ homes.
The janitorial and maintenance staff is cleaning buildings now emptied of students. The bus drivers are delivering meals to students and to satellite food sites.
“We have to also make sure our children don’t go without meals,” Board President Ginny Stewart said.
Stewart referred to the overall efforts of the district as “stellar.”
Scruci concurred.
“This is a serious and challenging time,” he said. “I could not be prouder of my staff. This is uncharted water.”
Scruci also acknowledged the support of many in the community – with businesses, churches and individuals stepping up to help.
Stewart echoed that appreciation.
“This is a time in our community when many people are without,” she said.
Stewart recognized three restaurants in the city – Porkbelly BBQ, Jimmy John’s, and Kabob It – that have “stepped up to the plate to feed kids,” at least for three weeks.
“It’s so important to understand there’s a food issue in our schools,” she said.
Board member Tracy Hovest suggested that now is the time to share the support that has been given to the school district.
“Our community has been awesome in supporting our schools,” she said. “They deserve our support now.”
Hovest also praised the educational efforts being made.
“It’s not just about teaching virtually. You’re still making connections,” she said.
Starting Friday at the close of business, all school buildings will be closed until April 3. Teachers will be prepared to respond to any student request for information within two hours, Scruci said. Chromebooks are ready for students who need them at home, and the district is working with families who don’t have access to Wifi.
Starting Monday, the district’s “grab & go” lunches will only be available at Crim Elementary and the Middle School. Meals will be delivered to drop-off sites in the rural areas south of Bowling Green.
Scruci cautioned that all plans are fluid.
“Any of the plans we have today could change tomorrow,” he said.
Scruci also offered some words for the graduating class.
“We want our seniors to know we are thinking of them,” he said, noting that the prom and musical have not yet been canceled.
In other business at the meeting, board member Norm Geer reported on the status of the EdChoice program – which had been put on hold until April 1 by the state legislature.
As it stands now, at 8 a.m. on April 1, a total of $10 million in vouchers will be up for grabs on a first come – first served basis for students in the 1,277 school buildings currently in the EdChoice program.
Geer said there is a chance that the state legislature will be back in session for a few days – and may come up with a solution to public school’s concerns with EdChoice.
“It’s likely that something will be worked out,” he said.
Also uncertain at this point is the fate of the state standardized tests for schools.
“Testing is up in the air as well,” Scruci said.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to renew its contract with financial consultant David Conley. His pay will remain at $40,000 a year. Stewart noted Conley’s expertise in school finances, and his ability to explain complex issues to the board and community.
Other board members agreed.
“I’m extremely supportive. He guided us in the past well,” Bill Clifford said, noting the workshops led by Conley.
“Not only has he been helpful to all of us, but also to community members,” Jill Carr said.
