By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Paolo DeMaria heads back to school occasionally for a refresher course on the joys and frustrations of public education.
On Friday, the travels of the Ohio superintendent of public instruction brought him to Bowling Green High School.
“The way I learn about what’s happening in the real world is to do things like this,” DeMaria said.
DeMaria was first accosted in the high school office by reporters asking questions about three main issues plaguing public schools in this region – lack of adequate funding, overbearing state testing that does not accurately measure students’ learning, and the growing EdChoice program which is syphoning money and students from public schools to private schools.
Aware of those concerns, DeMaria said all three issues are under construction. On the most immediate issue of EdChoice designations – which currently affect Kenwood and Crim elementaries in the Bowling Green district – the state superintendent predicted changes would be recommended within two months.
“I sent my kids to public schools,” he said. “I think choice has a place.” But Ohio needs a strong public school system to educate its 1.7 million students, DeMaria added.
After the barrage of reporter questions, DeMaria got to do what he loves most. Roaming the halls with student tour guides and sneaking in the back of classrooms to eavesdrop on lessons.
On Friday his guides were seniors Max Fausnaugh and Tressa Greiner. As they walked the halls, they chatted about favorite classes, top teachers, and stresses faced by today’s teenagers. Tagging along were school board members and administrators.
Their first stop was the physical science classroom of Dr. Gloria Gajewicz, who was teaching about slopes.
“How’s it going today, coming back after break? Rockin’ and rollin’?” DeMaria asked.
Then the state superintendent listened as students became part of the learning process. Afterwards, in the hallway, DeMaria praised Gajewicz, who was recently named the 2019 recipient of the Presidential Award for Math and Science Teaching.
“I try to spark their curiosity,” Gajewicz said. “I want them to be problem solvers.”
Perfect, DeMaria said.
“That skill set transcends chemistry,” he said.
Then before heading to the next stop, DeMaria had his aide videotape him talking with Gajewicz about her science classes. The superintendent is known for his frequent blogs from the schools he visits.
“There’s great teaching happening right here at Bowling Green High School,” he said in an animated style for his video blog.
Next it was on to another classroom – this one the agriculture education room of Stephanie Conway. Under her leadership, the FFA chapter has been named a National 3-Star Chapter.
The senior ag business students showed DeMaria their greenhouse, fish and shop. He was interested in the facility – and in the young faces excited to share thoughts about their school. One-by-one, he asked for their plans once they graduate.
Then it was off to the school library, where student leaders were waiting to tell the state superintendent about the new “Bobcat StepUp” program which helps eighth graders transition to high school.
Sitting around a table in the library, the students talked about the program they created to help students feel like they belong.
“I’m always interested in the culture of students in a school setting,” DeMaria said.
“Sometimes it takes students to start cultural changes,” senior Ethan Brown said to the state superintendent.
“I really love this idea and I hope it works out,” DeMaria told the students.
Then it was time for another blog video – this time with his tour guides Fausnaugh and Greiner in the school library.
The last stop was in Jennifer Dever’s AP language class for juniors. The students, who had read “Just Mercy” sat in a circle discussing the fairness of the court system in the U.S. They talked about how case outcomes can be affected by inadequate legal council and inequality of resources, and about the goal of prison systems to rehabilitate or punish.
Dever sat quietly for the most part, as the students eagerly offered their opinions and respectfully listened to others.
Back at the school office, DeMaria said the high school appeared to be a caring environment for kids.
“I was impressed by the students I encountered. I was impressed by the staff,” he said.
Friday’s visit was a chance for Bowling Green to show its strengths – engaged students and strong teachers, Bowling Green Superintendent Francis Scruci said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to show the state superintendent that a lot of good things are happening here in Bowling Green,” Scruci said.
DeMaria is well aware of the funding and testing dilemmas facing schools, Scruci said.
“He’s pretty open. He’s very responsive to districts in the state,” Scruci said.
