Bowling Green City Schools prepares for May 6 income tax levy vote

The Bowling Green City School District Board of Education meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on critical financial matters, particularly the upcoming income tax levy and its implications for the district's budget.

Superintendent's report highlighted the importance of the May 6 levy, which aims to balance funding sources and reduce reliance on real property taxes. The proposed levy is set for five years and will be renewable, allowing for a broader distribution of tax responsibilities among residents. The superintendent emphasized that without the levy, the district faces a potential budget reduction of $2.6 million for the next school year, significantly impacting extracurricular activities, which account for 29% of the total budget.

In addition to financial discussions, the meeting recognized Michelle Wolf, the district's athletic director, who was awarded the 2025 Northwest Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association Athletic Director of the Year. This honor reflects her exemplary performance and commitment to ethical standards and leadership within the district.

The superintendent addressed concerns regarding the feasibility of increasing pay-to-play fees for extracurricular activities, noting that current contributions from families are insufficient to cover the potential budget shortfall. He reiterated that the need for additional revenue remains critical and will not diminish if the levy fails.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of the upcoming levy vote and its potential consequences for the district's financial health and student programs.