The Benjamin Logan Board of Education approved transportation purchases, staffing changes, curriculum updates and multiple financial items during its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 23, while also recognizing students.
During presentations, the board recognized Ella Chamberlain and Landon Braddock as February Seniors of the Month.
Board members approved the purchase of two new 78-passenger International school buses from Rush Truck Centers of Ohio Inc. at a cost of $136,864 each. District officials said the purchase is intended to help maintain a safe, reliable and up-to-date transportation fleet as older buses continue to age.
The board entered executive session at 6:10 p.m. and returned to open session at 6:40 p.m. Following executive session, members approved three days of unpaid administrative leave for Transportation Director Jane Foreman for Feb. 18–20. The motion passed on a 3–2 vote, with Scott Spriggs and Nikki Yelton voting against the measure.
Personnel matters were approved through a consent agenda and included the retirement resignations of teachers Stephenie Jordan and Lori Matthews, both effective May 31, 2026, and the resignation of custodian Chad Jordan, effective Jan. 30.
Among routine business items, the board approved minutes from the Jan. 12 organizational meeting, Jan. 12 regular meeting, and Feb. 2 work session. Members also approved a memorandum of understanding addressing employee salary schedule placement and authorized Benjamin Logan’s membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026–27 school year.
The board approved food service and ESC substitute lists for the 2025–26 school year and a comprehensive slate of supplemental contracts covering athletics, weight room supervision and the high school musical technical director position.
Staffing needs were further addressed with approval to hire an additional speech-language pathologist beginning in the 2026–27 school year, citing increasing student service demands.
Members approved the January 2026 financial report, including bank reconciliations, cash summaries and disbursement reports, and confirmed all bills were for proper public purposes.
The board also adopted the district’s updated five-year financial forecast presented by District Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Leah Baker.
The forecast shows the district in solid financial condition in the near term, with revenues projected at approximately $23 million in fiscal year 2026, growing modestly to about $24 million by fiscal year 2030. However, expenditures—led by personnel costs—are projected to rise more quickly, reaching approximately $26.6 million by FY30.
According to the forecast, the district anticipates deficit spending beginning in fiscal year 2029, estimated at roughly $250,000, increasing to approximately $500,000 by FY30. Despite that outlook, the district is projected to maintain a positive cash balance, estimated at $3.1 million in FY29 and $2.6 million in FY30.
Several grants and donations were accepted, including a $1,000 NASSP Student Service Grant and Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation grants totaling $4,000 to support agricultural programming. Additional donations were accepted to offset student meal balances and district programs, including $4,793.96 directed to the Benjamin Logan FFA program following the dissolution of the FFA Alumni organization.
Instructional items approved included inter-district open enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, approval of new high school courses including Digital Media Design, adoption of updated high school course selection handbooks, and approval of the 2027–28 school calendar.
In additional administrative action, the board approved volunteer services for track and baseball programs and confirmed the appointment of Janet Moore to the Belle Center Free Public Library Board of Trustees, filling the unexpired term of Dave Johns through Dec. 31, 2027.
The board later entered executive session to discuss personnel, legal and property matters. No action was taken during executive session.
The next regular meeting of the Benjamin Logan Board of Education is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 16.
Approved supplemental contracts for the 2025–26 school year
Athletic:
Baseball — Head Coach (HS): Jeremy Allen; Assistant Coach (HS): Trey Allen (½ contract); Assistant Coach (HS): Tony Griffith (½ contract); Assistant Coach (HS): Cody Wood.
Softball — Head Coach (HS): Amanda Davis; Assistant Coach (HS): Lynzee Cronkleton; Assistant Coach (HS): Tracy Gregg.
Track and Field — Head Coach, Boys (HS): Kevin Butler; Head Coach, Girls (HS): Mike Coder; Head Coach, Boys (MS): Jamie Gill; Head Coach, Girls (MS): Colleen Bodin; Assistant Coach, Boys (HS): Brian Hemmelgarn (½ contract); Jamie Hughes (½ contract); Jeff Wical (½ contract); Mike Overturf (½ contract); Assistant Coach, Girls (HS): Scott Wenger; Trisha Hemmelgarn; Assistant Coach (MS): Sheridon Storm; Ryan Buffkin.
Weight Room — Head Coordinator: Jeff Fay (½ contract); Colleen Bodin (½ contract); Assistant (HS): Kyle Seeley.
Non-athletic:
Musical Technical Director (HS): Paul Gantt.
Approved volunteers:
Track Coach (MS/HS): Neill Rhodes; Baseball Assistant Coach (HS): Nathan Gregg; Jeremy Williams.
