BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green City Schools students will remain on a fully remote learning model after a decision was made during Thursday's special meeting.
The 3-2 vote by board members decided that remote learning, while addressing the concerns of students, will be the continued plan going forward.
A hybrid model was the discussed alternative in the "Brick to Click" plan, with no discussion regarding a full return to in-person learning.
Families and students were surveyed about a possible return on a hybrid model and the input was taken into consideration.
According to school board president Ginny Stewart, surveys "resoundingly" did not want to return to class without social distancing and masks, however the overall input from families and students was a 50/50 split as to whether to shift to a hybrid model.
Also discussed during the meeting was the announcement today of a COVID-19 positive student-athlete, resulting in 13 quarantines, including 3 teacher-coaches and the entire shutdown of one grades 9-12 athletics program.
Concern was raised over students from BGSU leaving and returning to class, with the potential risk factor of being a university town.
"We care about kids and we care about helping them grow," said Superintendent Francis Scruci. He also added, "If we're gonna talk about our community, we have to be very consistent about what the facts are."
Norm Greer, Jill Carr, and Ginny Stewart all voted yes to the continuation of the remote learning model. Bill Clifford and Tracy Hovest both voted no.
The Wood County Health Department released a statement on Friday, approving of the decision reached by the board:
Wood County Health Department supports the decision made by the Bowling Green City Schools Board of Education. Like other school districts, the school board considered the specific needs of the Bowling Green community and made a decision that they believe best positions them to meet the educational and health needs of the students, faculty and staff. We have been working closely with all our school districts, and we will continue to serve as a resource and a partner as schools navigate the unprecedented challenges they have faced from COVID-19.
