“I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do”

Edward Everett Hale

Why am I running for school board?   I have a vested interest.  With grandchildren, you want to be sure that they are receiving the best education possible.  Since my grandchildren are in BG schools, I want to see that their needs are being served. I feel all children are entitled to a great education.  I see some areas that need improvement, so I want to help fill that gap. Early literacy is very important to a child. Without a strong foundation of reading and critical thinking, a child may struggle their entire educational career.  We need to help each student achieve the best skills they can. It might take more reading teachers, more one on one tutors, more supplies and more outside of the school day involvement. It might be summer reading groups that meet in a central location to the student population.  We may need to look for ways to keep kids engaged all year long. Our test scores are showing that many of our kids need an extra boost. We need to be willing to make sure we are equipping all our students with the tools they will need to succeed.

BG Schools must be transparent. Not only fiscally, but in all curriculum and plans for the future.

We must encourage community involvement by 

  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Local businesses
  • BGSU
  • Penta

We must encourage “outside the box” funding with grant writers and business grants.

Mentoring is a vital tool in helping a child discover their worth and to let them know that they are an important part of our school.  One on one time gives the student a feeling of importance and significance.

Summer reading programs may be needed for those students who are struggling.   

In the last 37 years, the city of BG has expanded a lot.  A mall was built, and many other businesses came to the area.  Our tax base has grown, but not at a rate to sustain our schools.   Bowling Green is a unique area.  We have the small town feel, but still house BGSU, ODOT and the county seat.  These entities do not contribute to our tax base, making Bowing Green’s tax base very limited.   The school board needs to work closely with the city, BGSU and the county to develop a plan that will draw more business to the area.  We can not continue to ask our current tax base for more and more money.  We need to find other ways to fund the school district.  Universities have wings and whole buildings that are donated by individuals and corporations.  Can that also apply to city school buildings?  We are going to need to think outside the box to solve this problem.  The state sees BG schools as a rich community, and we are in so many ways!

  However, our tax base needs to be broader and stronger.