B.A.S.E. Selects New Director
BUCYRUS, OH - August 16, 2004
Bucyrus
After School Enrichment (B.A.S.E.) Board of Trustees announced its selection
of Patricia Moore as the program’s new director. Moore replaces interim
director Mike Laipply, who took over after executive director Ken Whitt
resigned last November due to health reasons.
“Pat’s extensive background in teaching, fundraising and public relations makes her an ideal choice to lead B.A.S.E.,” said Board president Marcie Cassaro when she introduced Moore to the Board and staff at staff at a special meeting Aug. 10. “The past nine months have brought dramatic changes to our program, including funding, facilities and staffing. I am confident Pat will successfully guide us through these changes and build upon our successes.”
The first challenge facing Moore is transportation issues brought about by the Bucyrus School District’s bussing cuts since the defeat of the school’s permanent improvement levy. “We’re investigating several options, from having volunteers escort the students who walk to B.A.S.E., to contracting with organizations or churches in the community who own buses,” said Moore.
Funding is also an immediate concern Moore will address. “We’re starting the 2004-2005 school year with 25 students, less than in previous years due to limited existing funds,” said Moore. “Other cuts have been made, including making the director’s position part-time and reducing the hours of our staff. As soon as funding is reestablished, through the help of local donors and grants, we will increase the number of students and staff accordingly.”
“As director of B.A.S.E., my goals are to secure its financial future, cement its place in the Bucyrus community and maintain an environment in which children flourish,” said Moore. “The importance of doing what I can to help our community and its people grow is something I learned while working with my parents, Tom and LaVonne Moore, at WBCO-WQEL radio,” added Moore. “I’m thrilled to be in a position that will reestablish me as a contributor to the community in which I grew up and allow me to enjoy the rewards offered by helping children find their spiritual and academic identities.”
Moore recently returned to Bucyrus after working in the Columbus public relations market, including several years with Bank One and The Ohio Society of CPAs. Before moving to Columbus, Moore taught English, journalism and speech courses at Toledo-area high schools, Marion Technical College and Otterbein College. Moore has a Bachelor’s Degree in communication and secondary education from The Defiance College and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations from The Ohio State University.
B.A.S.E., which serves students in grades one through five, was founded in 1998 as an outreach ministry of eight churches to the town’s children and families. The program is committed to a ministry that enriches body, mind and spirit. Homework assistance and tutoring are key to the program, as are computer training, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, recreation, field trips, service projects, and spiritual development. Founding churches include: Good Hope Lutheran, First Baptist, St. Paul's Lutheran, First Church United Methodist, the Salvation Army, First Presbyterian, St. John's United Church of Christ and Grace United Methodist.
For information about B.A.S.E. or how to enroll your children in the program, call 419-562-1995.