News from Bowling Green City Schools

March 8, 2025

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Members of the Bowling Green City Schools Community,

How Do You Want Your School District to Look?

On May 6, 2025, you will have an opportunity to decide how you would like our school district to look. You will have the chance to decide if our students have opportunities and experiences or not. On May 6, you will have the opportunity to vote on a 0.75% five-year school district traditional income tax levy for Bowling Green City Schools (BGCS). This levy is estimated to generate approximately $6,684,000 per year for the five years. These dollars will be used for the District’s general operating expenses such as bus fuel, classroom supplies, facilities maintenance, personnel costs, textbooks, technology, transportation, and utilities. A 0.75% school district traditional income tax levy for a continuing period of time failed in November of 2024 (by 108 votes).

The above graph is a simplistic way of looking at the life cycle of school funding. The black line represents a district’s expenses. Like all organizations, a school district’s expenses continue to rise every year. Increases in expenditure are a result of unfunded mandates and increases in overall operational costs and needs. BGCS carefully examines expenditures regularly. In fact, for the 2024-2025 school year, BGCS reduced district expenditures over $420,000 through the reduction of two teaching positions, a treasurer’s office staff position, and seven paraprofessional positions.

Unfortunately, increases in expenditures remain inevitable. The green line in the graph represents a district’s revenues. Most school district’s revenues, BGCS included, remain fairly flat requiring districts to ask for new and additional funding. It has been almost 15 years since the Bowling Green community has approved new operating funds for BGCS (November 2010). When the green line is to the left of the expenditure line, the district is bringing in slightly more revenue than its expenditures. When the green line and black line intersect, the district’s revenue is equal to its expenditures. When the green line is to the right of the black line, the district’s revenue is less than its expenditures and is deficit spending, requiring the use of district reserves. A district can be to the right of the black line for only so long before one of two things must happen: the district must increase revenues or drastically decrease expenses. This is the exact situation Bowling Green City Schools currently faces. We are currently at the point on the graph marked with an “X”. The District must either generate additional funds (a vertical green line) or reduce expenditures (a sharp downward curve to the black line).

The BGCS Board of Education has already decided upon and approved options for both an increase in revenue and a drastic decrease in expenditures. In December, the board voted to place the abovementioned levy on the May ballot (increase revenue) and in February they approved a plan to make drastic eliminations to staffing, drastic eliminations of student programs, and a drastic reduction to student transportation (decrease expenditures) should the passage of the May levy be unsuccessful. This isn’t an ultimatum this is simply our reality. One or the other must take place to balance the district’s budget.

I bring your attention back to my original question: How do you want your school district to look? Based on the community’s vote, the options are set. Below is what your vote will mean to Bowling Green City Schools and our students.

A “No” vote will result in drastic changes to BGCS and include:

The reductions below have already been approved by the Board of Education and will take place for the 2025-2026 school year due to financial reasons if the Bowling Green City Schools 0.75% five-year income tax levy on the May 6, 2025 ballot is voted down by district voters.

Staffing Reductions

A “No” vote will result in a major reduction in staffing to include 29 positions. These reductions include seven (7) teachers, three (3) administrators, seven (7) bus drivers, one (1) assistant mechanic, three (3) nurses, two (2) crossing guards, two (2) custodians, one (1) secretary, and three (3) support staff personnel.

The teaching positions include four (4) elementary teaching positions, a district wide music teacher, a middle school business education teacher, and a high school English teacher.

The administrative and central office personnel include the District’s Student Wellness Coordinator, Director of Communications, and Athletic Director.

Currently there are five district nurses—one nurse in each building. With this reduction of three nurses the remaining two nurses would be assigned as a secondary nurse and an elementary nurse splitting time in multiple buildings around the district.

Program Reductions

A “No” vote will result in the elimination of the programs listed below for the 2025-2026 school year:

Extra-curricular activities (Athletics, the arts—music & drama, clubs, yearbook, National Honor Society, etc.)
All athletic and non-athletic supplemental contracts eliminated
District Gifted program
District elementary orchestra program and reduced secondary music course options
Contracted district mental health therapists & case managers
No field trips or alternative educational opportunities district wide including fifth grade camp
All buildings will be shut down at the end of the school day to outside entities to save on utilities and personnel costs (Girl/Boy Scouts, rec athletics, etc.)

Transportation Reductions

A “No” vote will result in a reduction to student transportation to state minimums for the 2025-2026 school year. District transportation will be limited to the following:

Only transport students in grades PK-8 who reside more than 2.0 miles from school (no transportation within a 2.0 mile radius of schools, both public and private/parochial).
No high school student transportation provided except as required by law (Penta Career Center students: school-to-school only. i.e.: no home pickup or drop off)
With the reduced number of bus drivers, the size of each route will be significantly larger resulting in a substantial increase to student travel time on the bus to and from school (up to 1.5 hours)
Due to middle school students being transported with elementary students, the middle school day start and end time will move to 8:20am—3:02pm

The above listed eliminations and changes will save approximately $2,600,000 for the 2025-2026 school year.

REDUCTION PERCENTAGES BY CATEGORY

A “Yes” vote will result in maintaining Bowling Green City Schools as we have come to know and includes:

The district’s Board of Education and administrative team will continue to regularly monitor our expenditures to be fiscally responsible and continue “living within our means” (the district’s reduction of over $420,000 this school year as previously noted, for example), the district will continue to take advantage of any grant opportunities to offset district expenses (the district has applied for and received almost $2,000,000 last fiscal year), all current student programs will remain in place, and current student transportation will remain in place. BGCS students will continue to receive a quality education and have the opportunities and experiences they deserve.

Bowling Green City Schools provides an excellent education to our students and an excellent service to our community. Academically, based on the most recent Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) State Report Card, we rank above most other school districts, both locally and across the state, with an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars. The District recently was honored by the DEW with the Momentum Award. BGCS was one of only seven districts in the state awarded this prestigious distinction! The great experiences and opportunities available to our students are abundant and I wholeheartedly believe BGCS is as high quality of a school district as any district around.

This levy is vital to the financial stability of the district and is needed to continue the great opportunities afforded to our students. No one wants to pay more taxes; however, no one wants their home values to plummet due to a subpar school system either. Please review the “Frequently Asked Questions” about this levy. Additionally, I ask you to please exercise your right to vote on May 6. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or the district treasurer, Mr. Matt Feasel, at 419-354-0800 or you can review the district’s financials online at https://www.bgcs.k12.oh.us/district/treasurer.

I am honored to serve the students, families, community, and staff of Bowling Green City Schools. I promise that our district will work hard to improve each day to provide a high-quality education for our students, a financially sound organization for our stakeholders, and be a point of pride for the entire community.

Go Bobcats,

Dr. Ted Haselman

Superintendent

BGCS Recognized with Awards from Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce recognized Bowling Green City School District with a 2024 Momentum Award for its exceptional progress and student growth. Only seven school districts in the state were awarded this distinction.

Kenwood Elementary was recognized with a building level 2024 Momentum Award, earning a spot among the 193 schools statewide presented with this award. This recognition acknowledges districts and school buildings that have demonstrated outstanding improvements in achievement while also continuing to show student growth.

“Kenwood Elementary is honored to receive the Momentum Award. Our team has worked hard to create a culture and climate of setting goals not only for the staff, but each student. This is a testament to those efforts. It is possible due to the dedication of our students, staff, and supportive families. We are proud to share this with the community, and the deserving students and staff. We see this as recognition for our work, but it is just the start. We will continue striving for excellence in everything we do,” said Principal Michel Bechstein.

Conneaut Elementary was one of 298 schools statewide to earn a 2024 Overall 5-Star Building Award. The Overall 5-Star Building Award is awarded to buildings that exceed state standards by earning an overall 5-stars on the traditional report card.

Conneaut Elementary Principal Alyssa Karaffa stated, “Receiving the Overall 5-Star Building Award for Conneaut Elementary is a tremendous honor and a direct reflection of the collective effort of our school community to exceed state standards and ensure a high-quality education for every student. This prestigious recognition highlights excellence in academic performance, student engagement, teacher quality, and the positive, nurturing school culture we have worked so hard to build. I am incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families for making this achievement possible, and I look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best educational experience for our students.”

“These awards highlight the district’s continued dedication to student growth and achievement and are a result of the commitment and perseverance of our educators, staff, students, and families,” said Bowling Green City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ted Haselman.

To qualify for the Momentum Award, districts and buildings must significantly improve their performance index, achieving a growth of three or more points from the previous academic year’s report card. Additionally, they must attain a value-added progress rating of four or more stars. Institutions with an overall rating of five stars are ineligible for the Momentum Award.

For more information about the Momentum Award and other recognitions, visit the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce website: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Data/Report-Card-Resources/Awards-and-Recognition

New Traffic Flow Pattern at BGHS and BGMS During Geothermal Well Construction

Beginning the week of March 10, 2025, a new traffic flow pattern will be in place at Bowling Green High School and Bowling Green Middle School due to geothermal well construction in the practice field west of the middle school and in the north section of the high school parking lot (west of the Performing Arts Center).

Please click here to read the letter with more information and view the new traffic flow map.

2025-26 Preschool Registration

Dates: April 29 and 30

Appointment times are available on April 29 and 30 for preschool registration for the 2025-26 school year. Appointments are for NEW BGCS preschool students only. Children are welcome but do not need to attend. No screening will take place at this meeting. Additional registration information will be emailed out in April to those who have signed up for an appointment.

For more information and to sign up for an appointment:

https://www.bgcs.k12.oh.us/parents/enroll

Snapshots of Success

Here are a few photos of some highlights from around the district over the past few weeks.

Click "view entire message" at the bottom of the email to view all of the photos and information below.

2025 State Swimming Championships: Mia Buff had two All-Ohio swims and was the state runner-up in the 100 Back and 3rd in the state in the 100 Fly! The Bobcat Girls 200 Medley Relay team of Meaghan Desmond, Alayna Mahan, Maura Desmond and Mia Buff competed at the state swimming championships and placed 17^th in prelims. Congratulations!

Congratulations to our BGHS Concert Band and Symphonic Band! They BOTH received SUPERIOR RATINGS at the OMEA District Large Group Contest!

BGHS Competition Cheerleaders were fourth in the state for Division 2 building and seventh in the state for game day building at the OASSA Cheer State Championships!

Sophia Jenkins was our first BGHS wrestler to compete in the OHSAA Girls Sectional Tournament and the first placer for BGHS in the OHSAA Girls Wrestling Sectional Tournament - 5th place & district alternate!

Landon Deiter is the 10th wrestler in Bobcat Wrestling history to earn 100 wins in their career!

Thank you to Dr. Zayak for teaching the Kenwood STEAM Club members about electricity!

BGHS Hockey Highlights: During the quarter final win over St. Johns, BGHS Hockey player Hayden Joseph got his 100th career point, Kelan Archer had a shutout, and Rhett Winger had his 100th point of the season! Additionally, Bobcat forward Rhett Winger received All-Ohio honors for the second straight year and was named to the Northwest Hockey Conference Red Division all-league first team. Nolan Winger and Cash Wisniewski were named to the all-league second team. Senior captain Tanner Amos received the NHC Sportsman of the year award!

The BGHS Wrestling Team placed 3rd out of 12 teams at the Division 2 Sectional Tournament and had eight district qualifiers: Owen Laporte, Collin Failor, Cohen Lewis, Brandt Beaverson, Landon Deiter, Tyler Jenkins, Tommy Zemaitis, & Owen Rath. Cohen Lewis and Tommy Zemaitis both earned 5^th place at districts and are state alternates!

Elijah Marten placed 4th and qualified for the OAC JH State Tournament!

Eighty-five BGHS students stood on their feet for four-hours today to bring awareness and raise funds for Nationwide Toledo Children’s Hospital at the Penta-Bowling Green High School FFA annual Bobcat-A-Thon event! The grand total raised throughout the year was announced at the end - an impressive $6389.43!

Our Crim Elementary K-Kids Club students collected 160 comfort care items for the Bowling Green Fire Department, including stuffed animals to help comfort kids during emergency calls.

Katherine Tyson is the March BGHS and Bowling Green Exchange Club Student of the Month!

Cyrus Higham is the March 2025 Penta Career Center Student of the month from the Bowling Green Exchange Club!

Congratulations to the BGMS February PBIS Students of the Month!

Congratulations to the Conneaut, Crim, and Kenwood February Bobcat Pride Winners!

The Toledo Zoo visited Crim Elementary to help students and staff seed our school prairie!

Congratulations to Crim fifth grade teacher Michelle Thomas for being named as a Kiwanis Inspirational Educator!

Bowling Green Schools Foundation Trivia Night is Friday, March 21 at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building Atrium

520 Conneaut Avenue, Bowling Green, OH 43402.

Tickets and info: https://bgschoolsfoundation.com/trivia/

Bravo to our BGMS Drama Club students for their great performances in their recent play!

The boys bowling team placed 7th and the girls bowling team placed 6th at sectionals. Congratulations to Coach Calderon for being named the NLL Boys Coach of the Year!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bowling Green Schools Foundation and a lot of hard work and planning by our amazing Reading Specialists Ann Williams Strobel, Kristin Brown Muir and Sarah Morris, Kenwood students dove into exciting GLOW literacy activities designed to build essential reading skills, foster a love for books, and strengthen the school community.

Congratulations to our fourth and fifth grade student artists and our wonderful elementary art teachers for a successful “For the Love of Reading” Tiny Art Show open house at the Wood County District Public Library. Artwork is on display through March 14.