Positivity and optimism were the common threads from Monday’s meet and greet with Bowling Green City Schools’ new superintendent.

Ted Haselman, who started Aug. 1, invited community members to chat Monday at the Performing Arts Center.

More than three dozen parents, teachers and community members introduced themselves.

“I think he’s the right guy for the job,” said Joe Higgins. “I’m excited to see what he can do for the school district.”

Higgins, who has a child in elementary school, said he hopes Haselman can bring the community around to support the schools, the kids and the future of the district.

He also wants to see transparency as to why there’s a need for support.

Steve Bateson said Haselman was a good listener.

“I think he’s up for the challenge. He’s got broad enough shoulders and the ability to try to bring this district together. We’re woefully in need of new leadership and I think Ted will bring that to this district,” he said.

Bateson, who has been an outspoken critic of former Superintendent Francis Scruci, said there have been situations where district leadership failed to listen to large segments of this community.

He is running for school board.

“I think we need leadership that listens to the community and can articulate back to the community some of those concerns and figure out a way to solve problems,” Bateson said.

“I’m open to hearing anything,” Haselman said. “I want to hear what thoughts are on some ideas of how we can address some challenges and it’s nice to hear good things, too.”

He is planning to host Coffee with the Superintendent every other month.

Mary Kern mentioned the community letter Haselman sent out Aug. 1, in which he said that one of his goals was to listen.

As model UN adviser at the high school, Kern said part of negotiations was for people to simply talk.

“Receiving and listening is much more important if you’re going to arrive at a negotiation. My hope, one of the things he’s bringing to the table is … he wants to hear what people have to say,” Kern said.

“I thought he was clearly the best of the three candidates,” said Milt Hakel, who attended the community forum where the three superintendent candidates were introduced.

Hakel, who is retired from Bowling Green State University, said he hopes Haselman can strengthen the town and gown connection and help make the city more competitive to keep BGSU employees local.

A new high school would help, he said.

On Nov. 7, voters will decide a $72.8 million, 5.55 mill bond issue to build a new high school.

JoBeth Gonzalez, who has taught theater at Bowling Green High School for 30 years, said she hopes everyone can see the value of updated schools.

“The high school and other elementary schools are in terrible shape, and we need to have the community work with us and try to get a levy passed,” she said.

Gonzalez is getting ready to work with her sixth superintendent.

“It’s really exciting to have new blood come in because they can see everything with fresh eyes,” she said.

Haselman said he’s hoping to continue to build trust.

“I’ve heard different things about the facilities, I’ve heard different things about our finances and transparency,” he said about the evening’s conversations.