News from Bowling Green City Schools

May 4, 2025

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Members of the Bowling Green City Schools Community,

We are in the midst of some historic days at Bowling Green City Schools. Yesterday, the district celebrated a groundbreaking for the new Bowling Green High School. Geothermal wells are currently being installed and we will soon begin seeing a structure rising from the ground. We are currently on schedule and are planning a fall 2027 grand opening of the new high school building.

Thursday’s celebration was very exciting and attended by many people. I wanted to share with you the speech I gave at the event.

Good afternoon.

What an incredible day this is for Bowling Green City Schools, and what a privilege it is to stand before you at such a historic moment. On behalf of the Board of Education, our dedicated staff, and our students, thank you all for being here to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Bowling Green High School. Your presence today speaks volumes about the pride, support, and strength of this amazing community.

Today marks not just the start of a construction project, it marks the beginning of a new era for education in Bowling Green. For years, our high school has served thousands of students, nurturing their growth, preparing them for their future, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And now, we take a bold step forward—toward a facility that reflects the excellence we expect from our schools and the aspirations we hold for our children.

This new high school will be designed not just for the students of today, but for the students of tomorrow. For the next generation, and the ones after that. It will be a space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and opportunity. A place where young minds can thrive, where teachers are empowered, and where our community can come together to support public education at its very best.

None of this would be possible without you, the Bowling Green community. You’ve demonstrated your commitment to our schools, your belief in our mission, and your trust in our leadership. Your support, through your voices, your votes, and your vision, made this day a reality. For that, we are deeply grateful.

To our students—past, present, and future—you are the reason we are here. This new school is a promise to you. A promise that your education matters. That your dreams matter. And that this community is investing in your success.

To our staff and educators. Your passion and dedication fuel our progress. This facility will be a tool, but it’s your guidance, care, and expertise that make it a home for learning.

And to our parents, families, and community partners. Thank you for walking alongside us. This journey has required patience, planning, and partnership, and we could not have reached this point without your support.

As the first shovels hit the ground today, we are not just breaking soil—we are building a legacy. A legacy of learning, of excellence, and of community spirit. One that will benefit generations of Bowling Green students and families to come.

Let us celebrate today, but let us also look ahead with excitement, with pride, and with determination to continue doing the important work of public education.

I am honored to serve the students, families, community, and staff of Bowling Green City Schools. I promise that our District will continue to 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.

Thank you.

Go Bobcats,

Dr. Ted Haselman

Superintendent

Superintendent's Coffee Chat May 7

Join Superintendent Dr. Ted Haselman for his last Coffee Chat of the 2024-2025 school year!

When: May 7 from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Juniper, 145 S. Main St.
Why: Ask questions and have open dialogue on topics relevant to Bowling Green City Schools and the community.

A New Era Begins: Bowling Green Breaks Ground on New High School

On Thursday, May 1, the district officially broke ground on its new high school—a project years in the making and a symbol of community pride and belief in the future.

Held under a packed tent in the current high school parking lot, the ceremony had the energy of a pep rally and the weight of a milestone. Superintendent Ted Haselman called it “the beginning of a new era” for education in Bowling Green. Serving as emcee was BGHS alum and retired news anchor Jerry Anderson (Class of ’71), who brought energy, humor, and a sense of continuity to the event. Anderson masterfully kept the program moving while honoring both the legacy of the current school and the promise of the new.

Photo: Emcee Jerry Anderson (BGHS '71) addresses the audience.

Photos: Groundbreaking attendees listening to the speakers.

Board of Education President Norm Geer thanked the community and everyone involved in the project. Mr. Geer praised the community’s unity and vision. “This is a monument to what can happen when a community believes in its youth,” he said.

BGHS Principal Mr. Dan Black emphasized that stakeholders were involved in the design of the new building and they had to challenge themselves to not only think about how we currently educate students, but what education will look like in the future.

“The new Bowling Green High School embodies the design excellence that’s possible when everyone works together with a shared commitment to student success,” says DLR Group K-12 Education Client Leader Dusty Lake, AIA, ALEP. “Our extensive planning and visioning with the district have driven the design of this new school. Every decision has been a collaborative effort, ensuring the outcome not only meets but exceeds expectations. Together, the team is laying the foundation to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Mr. Black mentioned his excitement for students and staff to be in a space that is designed for 21st century learning and collaboration. BGHS senior Sam Challu also spoke at the event. Though he won’t attend the new school, Challu spoke of the importance of community investment in students and shared words from his classmates—“excited,” “hopeful,” and “thankful”—to describe the promise of the new building.

Set to open in fall 2027, the three-story, 155,000-square-foot high school will serve about 880 students and feature flexible classrooms, collaborative spaces, a central Learning Hub, and a 1,750-seat gymnasium. The building reflects a modern approach to education—designed for today’s learners and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Parts of the current high school, will be preserved and converted into a new Activity Center for community and student use, with a target opening of spring 2028.

Construction management efforts are being led by Rudolph Libbe Group who has been working alongside the team since August 2024.

“Rudolph Libbe is proud to partner with Bowling Green City Schools on a project that is vital to its educational mission,” says Rudolph Libbe Senior Vice President Brad Deal. “Constructing a project of this size on an active campus is challenging. BGCS and Rudolph Libbe have worked closely to develop new traffic patterns and temporary parking intended to minimize the impacts and facilitate an environment conducive to learning.”

Thank you to our partners on this project DLR Group, Rudolph Libbe Inc., emersion DESIGN LLC, The Kleingers Group, BCL Enterprise, CMTA, Reitano Design Group, Resource International and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

Photo: The BGHS Orchestra Sextet played as guests arrived.

Photo: BGHS Madrigals performed the Alma Mater.

Photo: Some of the BGHS Band members performed the fight song at the groundbreaking.

Photo: Superintendent Dr. Ted Haselman

Photo: BOE President Mr. Norm Geer

Photo: BGHS Principal Mr. Dan Black

Photo: BGHS Senior Sam Challu

Photo: State Representative Haraz Ghanbari with Dr. Haselman.

Mrs. Peggy Thompson, Dr. Ardy Gonyer, Mrs. Tracy Hovest, Mr. Matt Feasel, Dr. Ted Haselman, Mr. Norm Geer, Mr. Ryan Meyers, Mr. Brian Swope (Rudolph Libbe Inc.), Ms. Dusty Lake (DLR Group).

6th grade - Kenyon Wonderly

7th grade - Jadon Smith

7th grade - Zoey Smith

8th grade - Ginger Windom

9th grade - Lilly Downey

Representatives from DLR Group, emersion DESIGN LLC, Rudolph Libbe Group, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

There was a lot of coverage of the event in the local media. Click on the links below to view:

To see more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Middle School Scientists Take Learning Outdoors

Ten of our middle school science classes have been getting their hands dirty—literally—as part of a year-long, student-driven research project focused on conservation, sustainability, and restoration.

Students worked in our schoolyard prairie and the Lubrizol Outdoor Learning Lab, collecting data on soil moisture, pH levels, decomposition rates, and much more! They compared soil from inside and outside the prairie, explored how old growth helps enrich the soil, and used their findings to support real-world learning.

They’re also making a difference! From maintaining trails by spreading wood chips (thank you to the City of Bowling Green for the wood chips!) to prepping planting boxes and installing a brand new flower bed with a water feature, these young scientists are leaving a lasting mark on our campus.

Students added their artistic touch by painting decorative rocks to beautify the space.

All District Schools Earn Heart Safe Designation from Project ADAM Ohio

We’re proud to announce that all of our schools have officially earned the Heart Safe School Designation from Project ADAM Ohio! This important recognition reflects our district’s commitment to student and staff safety through the implementation of comprehensive cardiac emergency preparedness.

This achievement ensures that every school has met rigorous standards, including having well-placed AEDs with proper signage, trained cardiac emergency response teams, a clearly communicated emergency response plan, regular drills, and staff training. This ensures we are prepared to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest emergencies and can significantly increase the chances of saving lives during a cardiac emergency, as every second counts

The initiative was led by BGHS Nurse Mrs. Brittany Howard and our school Cardiac Emergency Response Teams. Thank you for your hard work and leadership in creating a safer environment for everyone in our schools!

Pictured: The Cardiac Response Teams from BGHS, BGMS, Conneaut, Crim and Kenwood Elementary with their Heart Safe School designation banners.

Snapshots of Success

Penta-Bowling Green High School FFA members had an amazing time at the 97th Ohio State FFA Convention May 1-2! The chapter was proud to be recognized for their charitable giving this past year. They enjoyed connecting with 10,000 fellow FFA members from across the state! Congratulations to our Gold Rated Officers, Clare, Annie, and Casey, for their well-deserved recognition on stage! We are also proud of Addie Naus and Natalee Harris for earning their State FFA Degrees – an outstanding achievement reached by less than 2% of Ohio FFA members!

Thanks to the wonderful support from individuals, businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations, over 115 scholarships totaling $169,359.65 were awarded to BGHS seniors this year! Thank you to all of our generous donors for investing in the futures of our students, and congratulations to the Class of 2025 scholarship recipients — we’re so proud of you!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our middle school student artists at the BGMS Art Show! Congratulations to Ms. Aumiller and our student artists!

Great job to Mrs. Liska and our talented student artists at the Conneaut Art Show!

The BGHS A-MAY-zing art show and senior studio is coming up on May 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. n the PAC lobby and hallways. Then stick around for the high school choir concert, which starts at 7 p.m.

Congratulations to Colton Barricklow and Allison Hover successfully completing the Youth Leadership Toledo (YLT) program!

The Madrigals had successful Cabaret performances May 2 & 3.

Congratulations to our BGCS Bus Drivers who represented our District at the NW Regional Ohio School Bus Driver Safety ROAD-E-O competition! Great job to Liz Jones, Gordon Ricketts, and Megan Charron! Megan was named Rookie of the Year for the event and is a state alternate! The regional competition includes bus drivers from Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot counties! Additionally, a shout out goes to BGCS Bus Mechanic, Lucas Schang, who serves on the Ohio School Bus Driver Safety ROAD-E-O State Committee!

The Bowling Green High School and 8th Grade Orchestra concert was a special celebration of our graduating senior orchestra members and paid tribute to the dedication of retiring director, Mr. Hudson. We wish our seniors all the best and extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Hudson!

The Treble Choir and Chorale performed at the OMEA State competition and received Superior ratings! The Concert band also performed at the OMEA State competition and received an Excellent rating! Congratulations to our students and directors on their achievements!

Congratulations to Michele Wolf, Athletic Director at Bowling Green High School, who was recognized earlier today at the Northwest Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Awards Ceremony and was named the 2025 Northwest Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NW-OIAAA) Athletic Director of the Year!

Congratulations to Austin Lewis, Dylan Krupp, and Jack Hover who were Top Finalists at DECA’s International Career Development Competition!

Congratulations to our students who completed the Girls on the Run 5K over the weekend!

Congratulations to our March BGMS PBIS Students of the Month and our Conneaut, Crim and Kenwood Bobcat Pride students!

The Exchange Club of BG selected Logan Schwab as the April 2025 Penta Career Center Student of the Month, and Tara Hastings is the April 2025 BGHS Student of the Month.