To the Editor:
We are writing in support of the Bowling Green Schools’ plan for construction of a new high school facility. Between us, we have nearly 100 years of experience in public school service. We have served as teachers, principals at all levels and superintendents in other Northwest Ohio school districts. At all times, we have continued in our belief that strong communities require strong, effective schools. Bowling Green, Ohio is no exception!
In our years of experience, we have viewed much change in education. At the present time, Bowling Green has the oldest buildings in the area. They have been well-maintained but at increasing cost due to their age. It is apparent that the existing high school building does not meet the needs of a modern educational program – vital to the success of today’s students. This is critical, as today’s graduates face greater demands in our technological world. Simply renovating the building will not solve this problem.
Further changes in Ohio’s educational environment have seen the trend to educational choice and open enrollment. Careful analysis of its effects on the Bowling Green City Schools yields some troubling facts. While the curricular offerings of the district are educationally sound and the instructional staff is of high quality, its facilities are not. As a result, parents enroll their children in surrounding school districts. The effect is devastating to the Bowling Green Schools’ financial integrity. Each child that leaves the district (now numbering approximately 200 students) takes full funding to the receiving district. School law requires that the funds be sent directly to the receiving district. Over the period of typical enrollment in grades K thru 12, there is a substantial loss to the district. In the most recent year for which full figures are available, the Bowling Green Schools budget lost over $341,000 to open-enrollment – roughly an amount that would be generated by 1 mill of property tax collections. Current losses are much greater given that the per pupil payment to receiving districts has increased dramatically.
It’s time we bring an end to this loss and meet the needs of our resident children in a fiscally responsible manner. To support the continued growth and development of Bowling Green Schools AND to encourage further community development, we fully support the passage of the levy for a new high school on the November 7th ballot.
Gary and Laura Keller
Bowling Green
