The Benjamin Logan Local School District Board conducted its annual organizational meeting Monday, Jan. 13, and re-elected Mark Himmeger as president and Deb Johnson as vice president for the 2025 calendar year.
Members set their 2025 meeting schedule as the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., with the exceptions of Feb. 24 and June 23.
In the regular meeting that followed, High School Principal Alatorre shared a disappointing update on the Epic Schools Revamp Contest through Jostens:
“While Benjamin Logan Schools’ submission was among the Top 3 finalists, Ohio Ethics Commission policies RC 102.03 and vendor-related restrictions ultimately prohibited the acceptance of the prize. “Despite significant effort and preparation, the school must maintain compliance and uphold ethical standards. Jostens’ legal team determined Benjamin Logan High School could not officially be announced as the winner due to the above prohibitions.”
In Jostens statement, they wrote: “Congratulations to Benjamin Logan High School for being in the top three applicants to the Jostens Epic School Revamp Contest. Jostens was truly impressed by the spirit displayed at the school in both their application and outstanding rally. It is clear that both students and staff take actions that make the school a safe, supportive and vibrant community.”
In other reports, Middle School Principal Todd Shadley shared that prior to Christmas break, middle school students completed the winter iReady diagnostic. To recognize their efforts, students who demonstrated growth in at least one content area (math or ELA) were rewarded with a booster bar flavor of their choice as a reward for their hard work.
Elementary Principal Holly Barr reported that the elementary school implemented a three-tiered reward system for the winter iReady diagnostic results: Students who met both iReady goals enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows and decorated a sugar cookie with icing and sprinkles; students who met one iReady goal decorated a sugar cookie with icing and sprinkles; and students who put in effort but did not meet their goals participated in a game room activity.
In administrative reports, Superintendent John Scheu highlighted January as School Board Recognition Month.
“The Benjamin Logan Schools’ board members are our superheroes in service to our students, schools and community. We thank them.”
In other action, the board:
• accepted the retirement resignation of Bev Houchin, head cook, effective Feb. 28;
• established a service fund of $5,000 for board member duties and setting board member compensation at $125 per meeting for up to 24 meetings annually;
• approved retaining several law firms—Scott Scriven LLP of Columbus, John Podgurski, Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A., and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP;
• designated the Bellefontaine Examiner and WPKO as the official newspaper and radio station, respectively.
• adopted the Special Education Model Policies and Procedures released by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; and a resolution was passed to administer the third-grade assessments in a paper format for the 2025-26 school year;
• recognized Mia Stahler and Eric Hughes as the January Seniors of the Month;
• approved advancement on salary schedule for Lance Predmore due to additional academic hours earned, effective for the 2024-25;
• extended a supplemental contract to Kelly Gibson to lead the Ski Club;
• accepted the following grants: $500 Logan County Electric Co-op Energizing Education grant for elementary initiatives (STEM rewards for i-Ready); $500 Logan County Electric Co-op grant for the “Seats in Motion” project at the middle school for flexible seating; $1,000 “Growing Tomorrow” grant from Farm Credit Mid-America; and a $932 grant from The Ohio Arts Council’s Big Yellow School Bus program; • accepted the following donations: $1,000 from an anonymous donor for district-wide school lunches and fees, $1,000 donation from RWE Clean Energy, LLC was allocated for middle school student needs; and a $200 gift card from Harbor Freight for FFA classroom enhancements.
Another Let’s Talk School evening takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Hays Community Center, West Mansfield.
The next board meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.