Axing ag and dropping drama — which are programs that are not mandated by the state —would be disastrous
for Bowling Green City Schools, according to the superintendent.
Francis Scruci discussed unfunded state mandates at Tuesday’s board of education meeting and the drain
they have on the district since no money follows those dictates.
“Cuts are an easy solution, but you have to ask at what cost,” he said.
The cost could be losing enrollment as students leave for opportunities elsewhere.
Last month it was suggested that the district cut non-mandated programs before going to the ballot.
“There’s always a negative affect that follows such cuts,” Scruci said.
It’s easy to suggest making cuts but the negative impact continues for years to come.
Cutting non-mandated programs would reduce Bowling Green school offerings to math, science, social
studies and English. Programs lost would include ag education, drama, music, athletics, arts and clubs.

“This board has been fiscally responsible for the past nine-plus years for not asking for new money, but
the reality is school funding is set up to force districts … to eventually run into the red,” Scruci
said.
Also affecting the bottom line, in addition to the increasing cost of doing business, are the unfunded
state mandates.
“Those can’t go unnoticed. While on paper these mandates look like good ideas, the end results are
districts reducing the general funds at a faster pace,” Scruci said.
Examples of unfunded mandates would include busing to private schools, third-grade reading guarantee, all
state testing and College Credit Plus.
“College Credit Plus is a great program,” Scruci said. “It’s great for parents, it’s great for students,
it’s an opportunity for families to have their kids take some college credit before they graduate.”
But the district is asked to foot the bill for books and tuition for the college programs, with no
reimbursement from the state.
“That’s an obvious drain on our general fund. I think it’s important to understand that,” he said.
Cutting staff would increase class sizes and impact employee morale, and it would put students at a
disadvantage when applying for higher education options, Scruci said.
He also pointed out the awards the district has received the past two years for improving performance.

“Are we where we want to be? Absolutely not. But I am certain we don’t want to be an average school
district and making cuts would drive us to mediocrity,” Scruci said.
In other business on Tuesday, he also explained his system of delaying and closing school due to weather.

“What we always try to do is what’s in the best interest of students and our staff,” he said.
It comes down to timing. The first decision must be made by 5:30 a.m. because buses roll at 5:50 a.m.,
Scruci said.
“We try to stay away from calling a delay and then coming back and closing because we understand the
amount of pressure that puts on families,” he said. “If we’re going to close, we like to close right out
of the gate.”
The second call, if on a delay, must be made by 7:30 a.m.
“I think people accept the fact that what we’re trying to do is keep our students and staff safe.”
On Tuesday, the high school and middle students went to school on time, then elementary and preschool
classes were canceled due to inclement weather.