Benjamin Logan Board of Education approved the district’s five-year forecast at their Monday evening meeting, May 19, as presented by Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Leah Baker.
Importantly, the district is projected to end fiscal year 2025 in the black — with revenues exceeding expenditures — for the first time in over 10 years.
Superintendent John Scheu noted this was one of the school district’s goals for 2024–25.
“Living within our means continues to be an important goal. It is significant that we are projected to end FY25 in the black after more than a decade.
“We thank Treasurer Leah Baker for her work and dedication to fiscal stewardship. Benjamin Logan remains committed to responsible financial planning and transparent communication with our community.”
In addition, deficit spending is projected to begin in fiscal year 2028, though the district maintains a positive cash balance until then.
The forecast highlights key financial trends and challenges the district is preparing to navigate, including:
• The district is on the 20-mill floor, which—with the unpredictable nature of property value appreciation—can make long-term financial planning challenging.
• The Fair School Funding Plan continues to support the district on a guarantee, but funding is not secured after fiscal year 2025 and remains uncertain through fiscal year 2029.
• Proposed property tax reforms at the state level could impact future revenues—outcomes are expected later this year.
• If state funding is reduced, the district may need to consider budget reductions or new levies to maintain instructional programs.
• Windmill payments have started, but will be closely monitored.
• Enrollment is declining, creating additional financial pressure.
• A total of $487 million in new state funding is proposed for vouchers and private schools, raising concerns about the future of public education funding.
In buildings and grounds matters, the board approved the purchase of a Fire Alarm Panel and a Fire Pump Control Panel for the elementary building in the amount of $30,960 and $49,185, respectively, from Genesis Building Systems, Ltd.
Members also approved district asphalt work through a $41,200 contract with Superior Sealcoating, Inc.
A contract with xTex Partners also was approved for $43,790 for the purchase of Chromebooks.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Art Daniels, transportation director, effective May 11, for further employment.
Members appointed Jeff Whatley, bus driver, as the interim transportation director, effective May 12, to be paid per diem.
The district also recognized the School Resource Officers Rick Herring, Neill Rhodes and Matt Robinson for their service and contributions throughout the school year.
Superintendent Scheu presented them with custom “RAIDERS School Resource Officer” crewneck sweatshirt, designed by Raider alumni Matt Overholt from 7THIRTY8 Apparel.
“Their presence in our buildings fosters safety, trust, and meaningful connections with students and staff. We’re so grateful for the relationships they build and the care they show every day,” district officials said.
Members also approved school fees 2025–2026, with no change: elementary school – $50; middle school – $60; and high school – $100.
In other action, the board:
• approved a two-year limited classified contract for Angie Birt, effective Aug. 1;
• accepted the following resignations: Julie Phillips, intervention specialist, effective July 31, Greg Saylor and Nicole Terrill, high school teachers, both effective July 31; Jennifer Hammer, educational assistant, effective May 27; and Kandie Brown, educational assistant, effective May 2;
• approved the following certified contracts for new hires: one-year — Kellie Lemly, Intervention Specialist Teacher; one-year (retire/rehire) — Bruce Smith; one-year — Natasha Anderson, Lisa Daniels, Kayla Null, Robert Wolf; two-year — Alix Brown, Anthony Courtney, Riley Hayhurst, Paul Jenne, Cody LeMay; three-year — Natalie Hays, Summer Huston, Ryan Kerns, Tara King, Victoria Purk, Sage Rausch, Brooke Rodriguez, Kyle Seeley, Melody Wishin;
• approved the following classified contracts: one year — Brandy Varian, Diane Chamberlin; two-year — Jon Appelfeller, Jennifer Black, Randi Buffkin, Erica Caudill, Ryan Dodds, Megan Fitzpatrick, Jeffery Fox, David Hunt, Amanda Iiams, Chad Jordan, Mark Long, Sandy McKirihan, Dale Miller, Merisha Organ, Kira Perez, Rebecca Peterson, Michelle Phipps, Ashlee Phillips, Kari Ricketts, Mel Roberts, Betsy Savage, Tawney Naylor, Anastasia Shields, Justin Shupert, Brooke Thompson, Erin Woodward, Timothy Yoder; continuing contracts — Rhonda Cook, DiAnna Zeigler; hourly classified staff — Janie Foreman, to perform clerical work in the transportation department;
• approved $500 mentor payments for the Resident Educator Program to: Morgan Dixon, Melody Wishin, Scott Vermillion, Roberta Gill, Stephenie Jordan;
• approved lunch prices for 2025-2026 school year: elementary, $3.05; MS/HS lunch $3.30; reduced lunch 40 cents; adult lunch $4.50; ES/MS/HS breakfast $1.95; ES/MS/HS reduced breakfast 30 cents; extra milk 50 cents; Ala carte items are available in each building
• approved revised substitute rates: (staying competitive with other districts): 2025-26 — $130 per day, sub teachers; $20 per hour for sub bus drivers; 2026-27 — $130 per day, sub teachers; $20.60 per hour, sub bus drivers;
• extended a number of athletic and non-athletic supplemental contracts for 2025-26;
• approved the creation of a 070 fund account and transfer of $500,000 for Waste Water Management repairs;
• approved a return of advance from athletics in the amount of $50,000; and a transfer of $16,614 to athletics to cover the cost of student athletic ticket sales for home events;
• accepted a donation of $100 from Allenbaugh Insurance Agency, Inc. to the FFA to support their programs and activities; and
• recognized the Seniors of the Month for May: Kate Hahn and Micah Ackley.
• requested public comment regarding IDEA Part B for the anticipated 2025–2026 grant funding.
Members called a special meeting for 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, in the high school library prior to graduation for employment of personnel.
The next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, June 23.
