As a former athletic director at Bowling Green High School, I was given the opportunity to talk
with the 8th grade class and their parents at an orientation. My message was “get involved.” It
didn’t matter if athletics, band, drama club, FFA, choir was their interest – just get involved.
Spanish Club, Key Club, debate team, just get involved. These groups give each student an
immediate support group, a bridge to new friendships, and a feeling of belonging.
This May, the well-regarded Bowling Green community is facing an extremely consequential
decision. Whether or not to support our school district is on the ballot.
If the levy does not pass, over 1,000 of the 1,400+ students in 7th -12th grade will no longer march
in the band, sing in the choirs, participate in drama, or compete in athletics. Well over half of
all the students are engaged in these meaningful experiences that enhance their maturation
and serve them throughout their lives. These activities develop discipline, teamwork,
responsibility, and friendships.
The elimination of these activities is only a part of the sacrifices the district will have to make.
Gone, will be field trips, 5th grade camp, the gifted program, mental health therapists. The bus
transportation system will be severely reduced.
The result of failure to pass the levy is easy to predict: 1) students transferring out of Bowling
Green to schools where they can pursue these opportunities and 2) families no longer willing to
move into the Bowling Green school district with better choices surrounding them. Will
property values go down? Of course they will. Who wants to live in a community that doesn’t
support their children and education.
There is nothing about this scenario that is good for our community. It’s real, and the outcome
will have a very tangible and long-lasting impact on the quality of our city.
We need responsible voters to show up and make a difference. Please get out and vote for the
future of our students and the future of your community.
Scott and Karen Seeliger
Bowling Green
