By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
If high school athletes are allowed to practice and compete, why can’t other extracurricular groups, a Bowling Green High School student asked in an impassioned letter to the school board.
The board and superintendent agreed the disparity was not right.
So on Tuesday evening, the board decided to allow student organizations to meet in person or virtually – as long as they follow the same rules in place for athletics.
“How can we keep the kids home, but we still have athletics,” Superintendent Francis Scruci said of the frequently asked question.
The state is allowing school sports to take place, with safety measures being followed.
“We’re doing everything we’re supposed to be doing, and then some,” Scruci said of the precautions being taken with fall sports.
So why can’t groups like DECA, drama club and Model U.N. meet?
“They want the reassurance they are a valued part of the district as well,” Scruci said.
Athletics and other extracurriculars are not a right, but a privilege, the superintendent said. “But they are important,” he added. So as long as the groups follow the safety protocols already in place for athletics, then the district should allow them to meet, he said.
It will be up to parents to decide if their children can participate.
“We don’t want to put anybody in harm’s way,” Scruci said. “We can’t guarantee that a kid may not test positive and take it back to their family.”
The board was supportive of allowing student organizations to meet.
“Not every kid is an athlete,” board president Ginny Stewart said.
“These clubs and activities are just as important to our youth as sports,” board member Tracy Hovest said.
“We need to do this,” board member Jill Carr said.
The group advisers need to be willing to meet, and the organizations must comply with the safety measures such as wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart.
“We have to give kids hope – an opportunity to see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Scruci said.
As for athletics, Scruci said school officials across the state awaited Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed announcement on Tuesday about high school sports.
“We all waited with bated breath,” Scruci said. But the guidance was lacking – and disappointing, he said.
Decisions were left up to individual districts to decide if they want teams to play in the fall, or delay seasons until the spring.
No real guidance was given on sports spectators either, Scruci said. Schools were advised to limit attendance to family, plus require masks and social distancing. But even with limiting each football player, band member and cheerleader to four tickets – that would add up to more than 1,000 spectators, Scruci said.
“We’ll muddle through this. We’ll try to figure it out,” he said.
Scruci said he recently heard from Ben Batey, former county health commissioner and current BGSU chief health officer, that the Ohio Department of Health is allowing school bands and choirs to practice indoors as long as members maintain social distance.
That means Bowling Green’s bands and choirs may be able to use larger spaces, like the gym and performing arts center, for practices.
“That’s going to give us a little more flexibility when we go back to face-to-face school,” Scruci said.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting, David Conley, the district’s financial consultant, advised the school board to refinance the bond approved by voters in 2006 to build the middle school and performing arts center.
The $27.5 million bond issue was refinanced in 2015. Conley advised the bonds be refinanced again since the interest rate has dropped down to 2.2%
Conley said the district could see a savings of $600,000, plus would be able to pay off the bonds in 2025.
The board passed a resolution to allow Treasurer Cathy Schuller to start the refinancing process.
The board also talked about continuing to feed students in need of meals – even if school was online.
“The needs don’t change,” Stewart said.
The BGHS class of 1956 recently contacted the district about making donations to the ongoing student food program.
“It’s very special that a class would continue to support Bobcats,” Stewart said. “I really want to thank people who are donating.”
Scruci said the district will continue to deliver meals to students at drop-off points.Stewart said she has witnessed the thrill of children when some pick up their meals at the Crim Elementary kitchen. Abby Forschner, food service director for Bowling Green City Schools, plans to post a list of items that people could donate.
