The Benjamin Logan Board of Education enjoyed a relatively uneventful session Monday night, especially considering some of the past, more heavily attended regular meetings. But they used that time to approve a resolution that moves the district one step closer to a revitalized track and field.
Toward that end, the board welcomed Emily Cannon, PNC Capital Markets director and the placement agent who’s been working with the district to get the best terms for a loan. Cannon recommended accepting a bid from Chase Bank.
According to Jennifer Sudhoff, district treasurer, the Chase had two offers: a low-interest rate with no refinancing options or one with a slightly higher interest rate that would allow refinancing. Both come with a fixed rate for 10 years on a loan not to exceed $2.1 million.
When the board asked Cannon where she sees interest rates going in the next decade, she said she anticipates it will be a little lower. “I would hope it would start to normalize, flatten out, but anyone’s guess is as good as mine,” she said. “No one expected covid and that really changed things.”
With the board’s approval, the district can now move forward. The money will be available as soon as they close on the loan, currently scheduled for May 10. Once that’s done, Sudhoff said, “we’ll start the project as soon as the weather is permissible.”
The project will include completely replacing the over 30-year-old track, fixing the drainage issues under the football field, excavating the football field and adding artificial turf, and installing a new scoreboard. They plan to have the project completed in time for the first football game this August.
In other board action:
• a resolution authorizing the purchase of new Chromebooks was passed, which will be partially funded by ESSER. The ESSER funds—just over $78,000—will go toward the total purchase price of $211,400;
• Superintendent John Scheu addressed plans for the 2023 graduation, which will take place Friday, May 26. The school will see 135 students accept a diploma. Scheu started by asking if any of the board members wanted to speak. Deb Johnson offered to say a few words. Board President Chris Larsen and Vice President Karen Dill will share the duty of awarding diplomas.
The board also decided to mingle with students in the commons after the ceremony rather than have a receiving line. “It’s not our night,” Dill said. “It’s theirs.”
• LeVan’s Excavating was awarded notice for the track project.
• accepted the following resignations:Ashley Solano, teacher, effective July 31; Jaycee Murray, mechanic, effective January 24, 2023; Ali Miller, educational assistant, effective May 26;
• approved employment of personnel – independent study/credit flex/summer school: Chris Bair – $25;Jennifer Davis – $600; Jodi Kavanaugh – $75; Lora James – $200; Myles Bowers – $150; Nelly Hughes – $125
• approved employment of personnel – summer reading program: Abbey Shields, Alecia Myers, Stephanie Barnes, Emily Wilson, Morganne Ackley, Chelsey Dixon, Randi Braddock,Renae Deardurff, Laura Mobley, Januah Anspach, Kim Smith, Kyra Fry, Chrissy Cox,
• approved overnight trip stipends:Third-grade Columbus Zoo trip, April 14 – Abbey Shields; Quiz Bowl trip to Chicago, April 28-30, Myles Bowers;
• approved the Class of 2023 graduation list of 135 students;
• accepted a bus driver reimbursement of electrical costs based on timer usage for the 2022-2023 school year was accepted and passed.
• approved a list of licensed doctors to conduct bus driver physicals.
• David Keller, trustee, was approved appointment to the Belle Center Free Public Library from March 13, through February 28, 2030;
• the following donations were accepted:$50 from an anonymous donor to help families in need;$10,000 from Benjamin Logan Athletic Boosters for wrestling mats; $400 from Lori Young for the eighth-grade Washington D.C. trip;
• the following volunteer coaches services were accepted:
•High school volleyball – Chad Stahler
•High school boys soccer – Jesse Todd
•High school girls soccer – Dayna Goldstein
•High school football – Perry Carper, Marcellus Joshua Webb and Keith Warrick
•Middle school football – Lance Predmore and Tate Stratton
•High school cross country – Neill Rhodes, Scott Wenger and Courtney Baker
The last regular meeting for the school year takes place at 6 p.m. Monday, May 15.