By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Four people are hoping to make the grade as the new member of the Bowling Green Board of Education.
Filing for the seat are: Bill Clifford, retired Wood Lane superintendent; Joanna Craig, a parent in the district; Barbara Moses, a retired BGSU professor; and Bryan Wiles, a pastor in the community.
The four are seeking to fill the seat vacated by Ed Whipple, who had served on the school board since 2014, but had to resign when he accepted a position in higher education out of state.
The board candidates will all be interviewed by the board of education this evening. According to Bowling Green Superintendent Francis Scruci, the board intends to announce its decision on May 12, then swear in the new board member at the board meeting on May 17.
The board is required to make an appointment within 30 days of the vacancy. If the board fails to fill the vacancy within 30 days, the probate court must fill the seat.
Moses ran for a seat on the school board last fall. The initial vote count showed her winning by 10 votes. However, after the provisional ballots were counted, Moses lost the seat to Ginny Stewart by nine votes.
Ed Whipple’s departure means just two of the remaining four board members have much experience. Paul Walker and Ellen Scholl have served multiple terms, but Jill Carr and Ginny Stewart are new to the board this year.
“There’s something to say about the experience piece,” Scruci said.
At the last board of education meeting, Scruci emphasized the importance of the board position.
“This is a critical appointment because we’ve got some important issues coming up,” like teacher negotiations, facility discussions, and a levy to pass, Scruci said. “There’s some difficult things coming forward.”
Those interested in being appointed to the board had to submit a letter of interest by April 29, addressing the following issues:
- Reason for interest in joining the board.
- Qualifications and experience that would add value to the board.
- Most pressing or important issue facing Bowing Green City Schools.
The eligibility requirements to apply are few, with the applicants needing to be registered voters and residing in the school district.
The new board member will fill the remainder of Whipple’s term, which ends December 2017.
