District leadership has been studying the impact of proposed reductions in state revenue.  In May 2011, it was determined that a proactive approach to the impending cuts was imperative to protect the integrity of the district's financial standing. A strong financial standing results in continued quality services for our students and prevents staff layoffs. This proactive approach is a two year plan that benefits our students, our staff, and our taxpayers. Support materials will be posted and updated on this page as more information becomes available.

You are enouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and offer ideas. We are asking for everyone's input and support.

Will the Milton School community be able to celebrate the retirement of the Milton School?

The Milton School community celebrated the “Milton Moment” on Monday, May 23.

When will Milton parents be informed of which school their K-5 child(ren) will attend?

Letters were mailed to Milton parents on May 25 containing the information of which school their child will attend in the fall of 2011. We have completed the process of studying where each family lives; the number of school-age children in each family; the 25 current intra-district students from Milton; and, current enrollment of classes at Conneaut and Kenwood.  Every attempt has been made to minimize the number of children required to move twice.

How will Milton and district 6th grade students be oriented into their respective new buildings?

On Friday, May 27 Milton students will visit their new school (Conneaut, Kenwood, or middle school) to meet new classmates and friends, teachers and staff, and their new principal.  Student ambassadors from the host schools will arrive at Milton for a brief tour and then bring Milton students to their new schools for tours, activities and lunch. We also encourage families to visit the elementary school that their child(ren) will attend over the summer.

Sixth grade students will attend an orientation during which time they will tour the building, register for classes, meet teachers and other incoming students.  We encourage families to visit the Middle School over the summer as well.

Why are no Milton students going to Crim or Ridge?

We are trying to limit the number of students transferred into Crim and Ridge for the 2011-2012 school year. Having 2 empty classrooms at Crim available for movement within the building during renovations and new construction will help prevent disruptions to instruction. Any student transferred into Ridge (closing in 2012) will have to move again for the 2012-2013 school year.

Will students still receive the individual assistance at the larger elementary school that they received at Milton?

The individual assistance the Milton students receive is not just specific to the small buildings. All Bowling Green schools offer individual and small group support for students in need.

Will the Milton School community be able to celebrate the retirement of the Milton School?

The Milton School community celebrated the “Milton Moment” on Monday, May 23.

When will Milton parents be informed of which school their K-5 child(ren) will attend?

Letters were mailed to Milton parents on May 25 containing the information of which school their child will attend in the fall of 2011. We have completed the process of studying where each family lives; the number of school-age children in each family; the 25 current intra-district students from Milton; and, current enrollment of classes at Conneaut and Kenwood.  Every attempt has been made to minimize the number of children required to move twice.

How will Milton and district 6th grade students be oriented into their respective new buildings?

On Friday, May 27 Milton students will visit their new school (Conneaut, Kenwood, or middle school) to meet new classmates and friends, teachers and staff, and their new principal.  Student ambassadors from the host schools will arrive at Milton for a brief tour and then bring Milton students to their new schools for tours, activities and lunch. We also encourage families to visit the elementary school that their child(ren) will attend over the summer.

Sixth grade students will attend an orientation during which time they will tour the building, register for classes, meet teachers and other incoming students.  We encourage families to visit the Middle School over the summer as well.

Why are no Milton students going to Crim or Ridge?

We are trying to limit the number of students transferred into Crim and Ridge for the 2011-2012 school year. Having 2 empty classrooms at Crim available for movement within the building during renovations and new construction will help prevent disruptions to instruction. Any student transferred into Ridge (closing in 2012) will have to move again for the 2012-2013 school year.

Will students still receive the individual assistance at the larger elementary school that they received at Milton?

The individual assistance the Milton students receive is not just specific to the small buildings. All Bowling Green schools offer individual and small group support for students in need.

Which academic classrooms at the middle school will 6th grade students use?

6th grade: 1st floor west academic team areas (closest to the main office)
7th grade: 1st and 2nd floor east academic team areas (furthest from office)
8th grade: 2nd floor west academic team areas (above 6th grade teams)

Will 6th grade students still go to camp next school year?

Yes. Both 5th and 6th grade students will attend camp this fall. 5th grade will go in October and 6th grade will go in November. Camp will then return to only the 5th grade level in the 2012-13 school year.

Will PACE still be offered to 6th grade students?

The topic of PACE (programming for students identified as cognitively gifted) in regard to 6th grade students is being discussed.  Plans include meeting with current 7th grade students who were in the PACE program as 6th graders; meeting with Cheryl Francis, instructor; and, reviewing feedback provided by parents of current PACE students.

Will 6th grade students have the same set up as 7th & 8th grade students?

It is likely that programming will be similar, if not the same.  We are exploring the possibility of additional reading/language arts offerings for 6th grade students.  Please keep in mind that we will continue to explore options and that no final decisions have been made at this time.

Will there be separation of 6th grade students from 7th and 8th grade students?

Students are separated by their schedules and teams. The only time they should interact would be before and after school.

How will reduction to 2 teams in 7th and 8th grade impact learning/electives?

District believes that the reduction to 2 teams will have no impact on learning as class sizes will continue to be manageable. We are still looking into how the reduction will impact electives, and we believe this may result in a stronger fine and performing arts program. Students will continue to enjoy 3 core plus classes each day.

How does moving 6th grade to the middle school save the $670,000?

The savings is in the reduction to two 7th and 8th grade teams which makes space for two 6th grade teams at the middle school. Currently there are 34 6th-8th grade teachers (12 - 8th grade teachers, 12 - 7th grade teachers, and 10 - 6th grade teachers). Next year there will be 24 6th-8th grade teachers (8 teachers at 6th, 7th, and 8th grade).

Which academic classrooms at the middle school will 6th grade students use?

6th grade: 1st floor west academic team areas (closest to the main office)
7th grade: 1st and 2nd floor east academic team areas (furthest from office)
8th grade: 2nd floor west academic team areas (above 6th grade teams)

Will 6th grade students still go to camp next school year?

Yes. Both 5th and 6th grade students will attend camp this fall. 5th grade will go in October and 6th grade will go in November. Camp will then return to only the 5th grade level in the 2012-13 school year.

Will PACE still be offered to 6th grade students?

The topic of PACE (programming for students identified as cognitively gifted) in regard to 6th grade students is being discussed.  Plans include meeting with current 7th grade students who were in the PACE program as 6th graders; meeting with Cheryl Francis, instructor; and, reviewing feedback provided by parents of current PACE students.

Will 6th grade students have the same set up as 7th & 8th grade students?

It is likely that programming will be similar, if not the same.  We are exploring the possibility of additional reading/language arts offerings for 6th grade students.  Please keep in mind that we will continue to explore options and that no final decisions have been made at this time.

Will there be separation of 6th grade students from 7th and 8th grade students?

Students are separated by their schedules and teams. The only time they should interact would be before and after school.

How will reduction to 2 teams in 7th and 8th grade impact learning/electives?

District believes that the reduction to 2 teams will have no impact on learning as class sizes will continue to be manageable. We are still looking into how the reduction will impact electives, and we believe this may result in a stronger fine and performing arts program. Students will continue to enjoy 3 core plus classes each day.

How does moving 6th grade to the middle school save the $670,000?

The savings is in the reduction to two 7th and 8th grade teams which makes space for two 6th grade teams at the middle school. Currently there are 34 6th-8th grade teachers (12 - 8th grade teachers, 12 - 7th grade teachers, and 10 - 6th grade teachers). Next year there will be 24 6th-8th grade teachers (8 teachers at 6th, 7th, and 8th grade).

How will class sizes be impacted at the middle school and elementary schools?

Class sizes will remain at acceptable numbers. The goal for primary rooms is under 25 students and for other classrooms under 28 students.

Who makes the decision to move forward with the plan and when will the decision be made?

The decision to move forward with the plan was voted on and approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 17.

Are there plans to move to grade level buildings?

No. Bowling Green students will attend one of four K-5 elementary schools (Conneaut, Crim, Kenwood, Ridge) in 2011-2012 and then one of three elementary schools in 2012-13: Conneaut (K-5), Crim (PreK-5), or Kenwood (K-5).

What are the school day hours for the buildings?

Elementary (all buildings): 9:05am – 3:25pm
Middle school and high school: 7:50am – 2:30pm

Will the high school be facing space issues?

No.

How will the district communicate to the community?

We are in the process of gathering email addresses in order to provide updates as they unfold.  We will also provide updates to local media.  In addition, even though our elementary offices are not staffed during the summer, the Middle School and Central Office will remain open during the summer months.  Please feel free to visit or call these offices.

Why not demolish closed buildings and then sell the property?

Vacated school buildings must be offered to Charter Schools and other government agencies prior to being sold at auction and/or demolished and sold at auction.  We will move through this process and make decisions based on interest in the properties.

When will the new district lines for K-5 schools be shared?

Placement of the children from Milton Elementary was a top priority. With that completed, 2011-2012 district lines for K-5 will be shared very soon. Look for a link on this web page containing a map in the near future.

Who do I speak with if I have concerns about my 6th grade student walking to school and having to cross busy streets?

Brian Whitta, Transportation Director, will address transportation questions/concerns.  He may be reached by calling 419-354-8509.

When the district offers all-day kindergarten in 2012, will all kindergarten students have to go all-day?

The district believes that an all-day kindergarten program will have a very positive impact on our students and will encourage all kindergarten parents to participate in this program. However, we will also provide a half-day kindergarten program for parents who prefer a half-day schedule.

Does the state still mandate all-day kindergarten?

No. The all-day kindergarten mandate was part of Governor Strickland's education plan. Governor Kasich removed that mandate when he took office.

Will open enrollment and intra-district transfers continue to be offered?

Intra-district transfers (requests for internal transfers amongst BG elementary schools) and open enrollment (non-BG student requests to attend BG schools) will continue to be offered as space allows.

What is the process for deciding teaching assignments for displaced teachers?

Teachers submitted their first, second, and third choices for teaching assignment.  Placement decisions were based on areas of licensure, as much as was possible, preference and seniority. Teachers will be notified of their placement during the week of May 23.

When will Crim plans be available for viewing?

The Board of Education voted on an architect for district projects over the next 5 years at its May meeting. The district will begin to work with Buehrer Group on the Crim plan and present information to the community as soon as it is available.

Will the current parking problems at Crim be addressed with the construction project?

Parking and drop-off/pick-up will be considered.  Our hope is to have enough money to greatly improve the existing situation.

How will class sizes be impacted at the middle school and elementary schools?

Class sizes will remain at acceptable numbers. The goal for primary rooms is under 25 students and for other classrooms under 28 students.

Who makes the decision to move forward with the plan and when will the decision be made?

The decision to move forward with the plan was voted on and approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 17.

Are there plans to move to grade level buildings?

No. Bowling Green students will attend one of four K-5 elementary schools (Conneaut, Crim, Kenwood, Ridge) in 2011-2012 and then one of three elementary schools in 2012-13: Conneaut (K-5), Crim (PreK-5), or Kenwood (K-5).

What are the school day hours for the buildings?

Elementary (all buildings): 9:05am – 3:25pm
Middle school and high school: 7:50am – 2:30pm

Will the high school be facing space issues?

No.

How will the district communicate to the community?

We are in the process of gathering email addresses in order to provide updates as they unfold.  We will also provide updates to local media.  In addition, even though our elementary offices are not staffed during the summer, the Middle School and Central Office will remain open during the summer months.  Please feel free to visit or call these offices.

Why not demolish closed buildings and then sell the property?

Vacated school buildings must be offered to Charter Schools and other government agencies prior to being sold at auction and/or demolished and sold at auction.  We will move through this process and make decisions based on interest in the properties.

When will the new district lines for K-5 schools be shared?

Placement of the children from Milton Elementary was a top priority. With that completed, 2011-2012 district lines for K-5 will be shared very soon. Look for a link on this web page containing a map in the near future.

Who do I speak with if I have concerns about my 6th grade student walking to school and having to cross busy streets?

Brian Whitta, Transportation Director, will address transportation questions/concerns.  He may be reached by calling 419-354-8509.

When the district offers all-day kindergarten in 2012, will all kindergarten students have to go all-day?

The district believes that an all-day kindergarten program will have a very positive impact on our students and will encourage all kindergarten parents to participate in this program. However, we will also provide a half-day kindergarten program for parents who prefer a half-day schedule.

Does the state still mandate all-day kindergarten?

No. The all-day kindergarten mandate was part of Governor Strickland's education plan. Governor Kasich removed that mandate when he took office.

Will open enrollment and intra-district transfers continue to be offered?

Intra-district transfers (requests for internal transfers amongst BG elementary schools) and open enrollment (non-BG student requests to attend BG schools) will continue to be offered as space allows.

What is the process for deciding teaching assignments for displaced teachers?

Teachers submitted their first, second, and third choices for teaching assignment.  Placement decisions were based on areas of licensure, as much as was possible, preference and seniority. Teachers will be notified of their placement during the week of May 23.

When will Crim plans be available for viewing?

The Board of Education voted on an architect for district projects over the next 5 years at its May meeting. The district will begin to work with Buehrer Group on the Crim plan and present information to the community as soon as it is available.

Will the current parking problems at Crim be addressed with the construction project?

Parking and drop-off/pick-up will be considered.  Our hope is to have enough money to greatly improve the existing situation.