Change and continuity shared the spotlight Monday night as the Benjamin Logan Local Schools Board of Education opened the new year with its annual organizational meeting—welcoming a new board member, reaffirming leadership roles and addressing key updates that will shape the district’s future.
District Treasurer and CFO Leah Baker administered the oath of office to Nikki Yelton, who officially joined the board, replacing longtime member Karen Dill, who retired in December. Yelton earned her seat as a write-in candidate in the November election. The board also approved the appointment of Deron King to fill a vacant, unexpired term that runs through Jan. 1, 2028.
Mark Himmeger was re-elected board president and Deb Johnson was re-elected vice president. The board also finalized committee and representative assignments for the year, including:
Building, Grounds & Equipment: Deron King
Curriculum/Technology: Deb Johnson, Scott Spriggs
Extracurricular: Nikki Yelton, Scott Spriggs
Finance/Personnel: Deron King, Mark Himmeger
Legislative/Policy: Deb Johnson, Mark Himmeger
Public Relations: Deb Johnson, Deron King
Transportation: Scott Spriggs, Nikki Yelton
Board members voted to continue holding regular meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Additional actions included approving a $5,000 service fund, setting board compensation at $125 per meeting with a maximum of 24 meetings per year, and retaining legal counsel with Scott Scriven LLP (John Podgurski), Bricker Graydon, Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A., and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP.
Following the organizational meeting, the board moved into its regular session. Superintendent John Scheu opened the meeting by recognizing January as School Board Appreciation Month and thanked board members for their service and commitment to the district’s students and families. The board also approved Scheu’s retirement, effective July 31, 2026.
Administrators provided updates from across the district. High School Principal Annette Alatorre reported strong parent engagement, noting that 80 percent of high school families have used the district’s ParentSquare communication app. Elementary Principal Holly Barr said recent testing showed 87 percent of elementary students scored proficient on the i-Ready assessment.
Middle School Principal Todd Shadley told the board that testing results indicate several students may be eligible for advancement beyond their current grade-level assignments. He credited teacher dedication and input from the district’s consultant for those gains, and also noted that several outdated signs throughout the school have been replaced.
In other action:
The board approved multiple personnel actions, including salary advancements for Natalie Hays and Sage Rausch; the hiring of Angie Hildreth for Raider Care; the hiring of Abdallah Saba as a substitute custodian; the employment of Sharyn Kopf as co-musical director; and the resignation of Joe Webb as weight room head coordinator, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The next Benjamin Logan Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.
