BGSU to sponsor Toledo arts school
12/1/2007HURON, Ohio - Bowling Green State University is teaming its arts experience with that of a Toledo charter school.
The BGSU board of trustees yesterday authorized the administration to finalize a contract to sponsor the Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St.
The university and charter school have worked together since the school opened in 1999. The sponsorship will expand on that collaboration, officials of both institutions said.
"This is about the arts, but it is also about expressing the creativity of lives," said Shirley Baugher, the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Ms. Baugher gave examples of students majoring in education to get experience in the classroom at the charter school, and digital arts students at the school making programs for university performances as benefits to the sponsorship.
Martin Porter, director of the arts school, said BGSU has been an influential "ARTner," what the school calls its community partners.
The new agreement opens up the door for professional development of the teaching staff and inspiration for the school's 450 students in grades six through 12 to attend college after graduation, Mr. Porter said.
As the charter school's sponsor, BGSU will be responsible for overseeing its management and operation. It does not place any financial commitment on the university.
The Toledo School for the Arts has been sponsored by Toledo Public Schools since it opened. The district renewed the agreement after five years and it expires this summer, Mr. Porter said.
While he is "indebted" to TPS for getting the school started, increasing its relationship with BGSU is what is best for the charter school, Mr. Porter said.
The district has many schools and students of its own and sponsors other charter schools, so the Toledo School for the Arts really couldn't be a top priority, Mr. Porter said.
TPS Superintendent John Foley could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Also during the board meeting at the BGSU Firelands campus, the trustees approved:
•A 3 percent raise for BGSU President Sidney Ribeau.
Board Chairman Mike Marsh said the trustees "expressed extreme satisfaction" with his performance. The raise increases Mr. Ribeau's salary from $304,625 to $313,763.
The president was the only administrator evaluated at this time.
•The sale of about 3 acres in the BGSU Research Enterprise Park to Argo-Hytos for $225,127.
The sale allows the hydraulic filtration and control technologies company to manufacture filter-based materials in the park.
•Renovation projects at McDonald Quadrangle and Offenhauer Tower.
Trustees approved $1.3 million to renovate McDonald's electrical system and $600,000 to replace and relocate the Offenhauer cooling tower from next to McDonald to the roof of Offenhauer.
Contact Meghan Gilbert at:
mgilbert@theblade.com
or 419-724-6134.