Campaign Phone Number
4195750696
Education
Bachelor of science in agricultural economics at the Ohio State University
Occupation
Strategic Account Sales Manager
Qualifications
1986 BGHS graduate. I’ve lived in other communities and return to this district in 2003. I believe my background provides an unique Perspective.
My greatest concern is the declining enrollment at BGCS and the loss of financing from that. BGCS has seen a decrease in enrollment over that last five years by over 350 students. This decrease has cost the district millions of dollars. This has put a strain on the district’s operating budget. Funding per pupil was roughly $5,400 combined from the state and federal per student in 2023/24. BGCS loses more students to neighboring districts than it gains from neighboring districts. We need to do all we can to keep district students in the district. We need showcase many of our excellent educators by highlighting their abilities. I believe many parents are choosing different schools for early education.
I’ve not been given the details on this decision. I don’t believe in isolating any students from their peers. This can lead to students being picked on. I believe early literacy is the key to success. “Learn to read, then read to learn”. I think an all hands on deck approach would improve early literacy. I would support having one building hosting all k-2 students. I see value in teachers collaborating and combining different approaches for success. Prioritize whatever solutions give student’s the best early literacy.
Parents have every right to choose what’s best for their child. We need
to do all we can to showcase the experience and expertise BGCS has on staff to meet all students needs. A big part of education is the social experience schools can bring students. The wide array of extracurricular activities give students the opportunity to find that experience they enjoy most.
I need to know what is being challenged? The board needs to follow state guidelines for curriculum. I think challenges to the curriculum need to be heard. I believe many times when curriculum is in question it’s because it hasn’t been explained. I believe curriculum should have a sense of purpose. The purpose should always be what’s best for broadening the educational experience.
I will support any and all improvements that enhance and improve the learning and teaching environment. I won’t support a new long term bond until one of our existing bonds is paid off. I believe the district is on track to pay off one of our bonds in 2032.
I believe neighborhood schools still have a place in our community and enhance the educationally experience.
Campaign Phone Number
419-352-5164
Education
BGCS - K-12; Miami University - Bachelors degree; Cornell University - Doctor of Law degree
Occupation
Lawyer in general practice serving the greater Bowling Green community for over 50 years
Qualifications
Elected to the Board of Education for two consecutive 4-year terms. Currently serving as President.
Both concerns deal with funding. First, the Ohio legislature does not adequately fund public education. Less than 30% of our operating budget comes from state funds. Fortunately, we have a supportive community that values education and supports the schools. However, expenses increase and state funding decreases. We are forced to pay more. Second, the Ohio legislature directs money toward vouchers. Vouchers were first designed to help students in failing schools. Then, vouchers were expanded to low-income families. Now, almost anyone can receive a voucher payment of approximately $6000 for elementary students and $8000 for high school students. This is money that constitutionally should be used for public education only.
The CLC at Crim has been established for the benefit of 22 special needs elementary students with the most significant cognitive disabilities from Conneaut, Kenwood and Crim. The CLC is not for the hundreds of other students with IEPs who receive special attention in their neighborhood schools. State law requires that there be no more eight students in any one classroom. Crim has three classrooms with three teachers and a number of aides and paraprofessionals to serve the needs of these children. Having all of the students and teachers in the same building allows for teacher collaboration and more resources, such as specialists, therapists, and a "reset" room. In short, it is the best model for providing for the needs of these children.
The Board can urge our legislators to get off the "voucher bandwagon" and support the public schools which take every student and provide a quality education. BGCS can continue the progress we have achieved in the last several years with regard to programs, student services, curriculum choices, and, in general, all of the positive accomplishments outlined in our online Quality Profile. The Board is committed to build upon our successes and continue our upward trajectory. For the first time in a number of years, our enrollment is showing a significant positive trend. The new high school will make a huge difference in the quality of our educational instruction and will be a giant step in making BGCS a destination location.
BGCS Board policies cover almost every situation and are designed to implement the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio for education. In April of this year, House Bill 8 (Parents Bill of Rights) provided, in part, for challenges to curriculum by parents to opt their children out of certain lessons. If the parents object to what is being taught, they can contact the administration which will work with the parents and the teachers to provide acceptable "alternative coursework". All Board policies are written to follow the law.
The community is split 50-50 between a consolidated elementary and the neighborhood schools. We need to find a solution which is supported by at least 60% of the community, like the high school. In order to do this, we should take the same approach to evaluate our options and determine the feasibility of each along with the costs and expenses. Once we have the facts and figures with regard to these options, we will involve the community for discussion, input, evaluation and action. In the meantime, we should continue to make the existing elementaries safe and comfortable for the students, such as the addition of the mini splits to provide air-conditioning for Kenwood and Conneaut.
Campaign Phone Number
4196190207
Education
Bachelors Degree in Teaching of Special Education; Masters Degree in Education Administration; Hold a Superintendent License
Occupation
Supervisor of Marketing & Satellite Programs at Penta Career Center
Qualifications
Current School Board Member of BGCS. I have spent 25 years in education- 20 of those years in education administration
The two greatest concerns for Bowling Green City Schools are state funding and aging facilities. Ohio’s school funding system remains unstable, with legislators shifting more of the burden onto local taxpayers. We must continue to advocate strongly for fair, reliable state funding while maintaining transparency with our community about financial challenges and responsible use of resources. Our second major concern is the condition of our elementary schools, especially Conneaut and Kenwood. Just as we did with the high school bond issue, we need to evaluate options—consolidation, replacement, or repurposing—while seeking creative funding sources to reduce taxpayer impact and provide safe, modern spaces for students.
This decision is about the responsible allocation of resources. At Crim, we have a larger group of students requiring a higher level of support, while the number of students with the same intensive needs at other schools is very small. Rather than placing a special needs teacher in each building—sometimes serving only one student—we can provide the same high-quality services at Crim, where teacher-to-student ratios remain within best practices and resources are used more effectively. It’s important to note this move only applies to students with the highest levels of need, not all students with disabilities. The main drawback is that some students who would normally attend Kenwood or Conneaut will now have their services delivered at Crim.
The expansion of vouchers and the diversion of public funds to private schools is concerning, as it reduces resources for the majority of students served by public education. I believe taxpayer dollars are best used to strengthen schools that welcome and support all children. As a board member, I will support efforts at the state level, including the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this legislation, while also working collaboratively with fellow board members and our superintendent to ensure Bowling Green City Schools remain the top choice for families. By providing rigorous academics, safe facilities, excellent teachers, and a supportive environment, we can give every student the opportunity to thrive.
The board’s policy on curriculum challenges is rooted in law, transparency, and accountability. Under Ohio House Bill 8, the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” districts must adopt policies by July 1, 2025, which Bowling Green City Schools has already done. Parents are notified of instructional materials related to sexuality, health, and well-being and may opt their child out of lessons involving religious beliefs. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) sets the academic content standards we are required to teach. We welcome questions and concerns, and any curriculum challenges are addressed thoughtfully, consistently, and in full compliance with state law and department guidance.
Addressing the need for new or renovated elementary schools requires a transparent, community-driven process similar to what we used for the high school project. Opinions differ—some support one consolidated school, others prefer replacing two and renovating the third, while others want all new facilities. I plan to work with architects to present detailed options showing upfront and long-term costs, including relocating the central office. Just as important, we will aggressively pursue every available state funding program to maximize outside support, reduce reliance on local tax dollars, and provide safe, modern learning spaces that meet the long-term needs of Bowling Green students.
