By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Finally.
After seven years and four failed attempts to replace aging school buildings, Bowling Green City School District voters on Tuesday passed a $72.8 million bond issue for a new high school.
After repeated rejections, the levy won by 6,296 (59%) to 4,451 (41%) votes.
That means in 3½ years, high school students will be learning in modern day classrooms, equipped with current technology, free of steam and water leaks, and with room for creative learning.
“This is extremely exciting for the community and for the students of Bowling Green City Schools,” BG Superintendent Ted Haselman said after the votes were tallied. “This is a game-changer for the students.”
Haselman took the superintendent job this past summer, knowing about the tough task ahead. He focused on listening to the community and answering their questions.
“The community spoke tonight,” he said. “I’m happy to see the community rally behind the schools.”
So what was different this time around?
Transparency: The district bared the condition of the 60-year-old high school, behind the walls and in the classrooms, convincing many citizens that students and teachers deserve better.
Foundation of families: A group called BG Families for Schools was a strong force for the levy, pointing out the needs, anticipating the questions, and correcting the falsehoods spread on social media.
City support: The school district was not alone telling voters of the need for a new high school. The mayor hosted informational meetings, and City Council passed a resolution urging citizens to vote for the levy.
New district leadership: The hiring of a new superintendent meant critics could no longer use lack of trust in the last superintendent as a reason to reject the levy.
A building plan: This time around the board gave the voters a pretty picture to dream about – with detailed architectural designs of the proposed high school.
Community impact: Economic development officials made it clear that Bowling Green’s growth is stunted as long as it drags out replacing old school buildings. Prospective businesses and families don’t want to make it home if the community isn’t willing to invest in its schools.
Seeking state help. This time around, the district applied for state funding for the new high school, getting approved for 17% reimbursement of the items OFCC is willing to co-fund. That turns into about $7.5 million that the district would receive when it’s BG’s turn for funding in five to 10 years.
“This has been a long time coming,” Board of Education Vice President Tracy Hovest said after the votes were in Tuesday evening. “Our kids deserve it, our teachers deserve it, our community deserves it.”
“It’s a new era for Bowling Green,” she said. “Our future is bright. I’m so appreciative of the Bowling Green community.”
Celebrating the victory Tuesday evening were members of the BG Families for Schools – the group that has been meeting weekly to push for a different outcome in this election.
“We needed to move the district forward, and I think we did that tonight,” Nate Spitler said. “Frankly, it feels good to put this community back on track.”
“My faith is restored in the Bowling Green community,” he added.
“This is a community that supports schools and supports kids,” said Will Airhart. “They showed up.”
So now what’s next?
For the BG Families for Schools group, the high school levy was just the beginning.
“We are by no means done,” Spitler said.
“We are going to address our elementary schools next,” Jeff Dennis said.
“We start tomorrow,” Airhart said. “Our kids can’t wait.”
Haselman said his focus right now is the new high school.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead on this project,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on that.”
But Haselman acknowledged the work that lies ahead on Conneaut and Kenwood elementaries, also constructed in the 1960s.
“It’s no secret our elementary schools need some love,” he said.
The public can view plans for the new high school, by architects DLR Group, at https://www.bgcs.k12.oh.us/district/superintendent/facilities-planning
