Bowling Green City Schools (BGCS) is facing rising operational costs, reflecting a broader trend of public school funding challenges across Ohio due to a lack of funding from the state and a rise in inflation, according to the BGCS Board of Education at their meeting on Oct. 15. District Superintendent Ted Haselman gave a presentation at the meeting on the fate of the school district as the upcoming 2024 operating levy vote on Nov. 5 draws nearer.

The district has been deficit spending for the past two years, meaning the money the school brings in is less than the amount required to cover costs.

“You can’t continue that forever, because it’s going to catch up. But again, I do want to point out that as a school district, we still have to serve the students and families that walk into our buildings each and every day,” Haselman said.

The district is currently facing two options to address its financial challenges: passing a levy, which has not been done in 14 years, or making significant cuts.

“When 80% of your budget is staffing, you’re looking at staffing and programs if we have to do these major cuts,” Haselman said.

If the levy fails, many staff members such as teachers and other administrative roles could be let go, potentially impacting the quality of student’s education and services the district provides.

“I think what you’re going to see is that what our school board is asking the community to approve on Nov. 5 is a need and not a want,” Haselman said.

Haselman’s presentation covered what is taxed and what is not taxed with a traditional school district income tax, stressing that the decision of what is taxed and what is not is decided at the sate level, not by the board itself.

If the levy passes, money would be used for the day-to-day operations of the school, including bus fuel, classroom supplies, facilities, maintenance and personnel costs. However, there would be a 0.75% traditional school district income tax for Bowling Green residents. This tax is based on adjusted gross income. Residents can take their adjusted gross income on line 3 of the Ohio tax form and multiply it by 0.75.

“We’re trying to provide as much information as possible so people can go to the ballot box on November 5th and vote an educated vote,” Haselman said.

Prior to Haselman’s presentation, the meeting started off with a bang as the board heard from a citizen greatly concerned about a lower number of enrolled students.Steve Bateson, a resident ofof Liberty Township, said the district now has 367 less students than in 2019. Bateson claimed the school is losing revenue as a result of students leaving the district.

“I’m here to point out we have to begin to fix this revenue stream, and it comes from students. We have to be able to compete and explain to parents why BGCS is the place to be educated,” Bateson said.

Board member, Ryan Myers, responded to Bateman’s remarks, addressing his concern. Myers said one thing the school can do is to continue to focus on trajectory.

“The continuous improvement that we’ve shown academically and performance overall, I think, is just a testament to our staff, our administrators, our district and our community. We’ve made it a very big focal point to improve this district academically, improving the overall experience for our students,” said Meyers.

Jill Baker, a retired English teacher from the district, said she enjoys the way the board meetings are organized and the things the board does to inform the community on the ins and outs of BGCS.

“We just come to hear everything that’s going on with the schools. I think it’s very efficient and I think they’re very thorough and straightforward. They have that website and everything that you can get on, the treasurer’s report and so forth. So, I’m really pleased with it,” Baker said.

President Tracy Hovest became emotional during her presidential remarks.

Hovest detailed the pride she feels to be a member of the BGCS community, one she says is welcoming and supportive.

“Together we are building better human beings through the love, kindness, compassion and empathy that is given every single day. We are building a better school district. We are building a better Bowling Green. I am proud to be a Bobcat and a BG resident because of all of those who wrap their arms around our students and staff every single day,” Hovest said.