The Benjamin Logan Board of Education appointed Deron King at their Monday evening meeting, Jan. 8, for a term that expires Dec. 31, 2025. Treasurer Jennifer Sudhoff, administered the Oath of office to King.
Also during the annual organizational meeting, Mark Himmeger was elected president of the board, and Deb Johnson was elected vice president.
Regular meeting dates for 2024 board meetings were approved for the third Monday of the month, except for Feb. 26, June 24 and July 11.
During the regular meeting that followed, the district honored board members for the School Board Recognition Month. Each of the buildings created special cards that staff members signed for the board members
During the superintendent’s report, Superintendent John Scheu noted that two transportation-related arbitration hearings scheduled in February.
Jan. 30, Stolly and Scheu will be attending the United Way Awards Breakfast at Green Hills Community.
The board also approved the Indoor Track Pilot Club Organization for the 2023-24 school year to give students an opportunity to participate in a sport that they enjoy.
“There is potential to make this a regular sponsored sport similar to other sports. Students may be eligible for the state indoor track meet due to their participation,” Scheu said.
In other action, the board:
• established a Service Fund from the general fund for a sum not to exceed $5,000 for paying the expenses of board members incurred in the performance of their duties when sent out of the school district;
• set board member pay at $125 per meeting for a max of 24 meetings per year;
• approved insurance for board members on a per-request basis; board members will reimburse the district for the cost of this insurance;
• approved a list of standing authorizations to allow for efficient financial management and full execution of duties by the Treasurer, President, and Superintendent were adopted;
• approved the following law firms to be retained as legal counsel for the 2024 calendar year: Scott Scriven LLP of Columbus; John Podgurski; Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A.; and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP;
• designated the Bellefontaine Examiner was designated as the official newspaper and 98.3 WPKO as the official radio station of the district;
• accepted the retirement middle school teacher Lisa Cox, effective May 31;
• approved a contract for Gary Shields, bus driver, effective Jan. 4 through July 31;
• approved ESC Substitutes employed contingent upon completion of all O.R.C. employment requirements at the rate of $115 per day, effective Dec. 18;
• approved issuing a stipend of up to $125 for staff working the Math & Literacy Night, slated for March 7: Morganne Ackley, Januah Anspach, Laura Bilbrey, Kelly Birt, Randi Braddock, Alix Brown, Chrissy Cox, Renae Deardurff, Chelsey Dixon, Morgan Dixon, Leslie Everett, Aryn Forsythe, Kyra Fry, Natalie Hays, Jessica Hilbun, Summer Huston, Ryan Kerns, Tara King, Katie Lacher, Kaitlin Lindemer, Amy McCormick, Laura Mobley, Alecia Myers, Paula Newland, Abbey Shields, Bruce Smith, Kim Smith, Jackie Thompson, Emily Wilson, Lori Wilson, Matt Young and Alison Spriggs (plan only, can’t attend the event).
• approved overnight trips for the BPA State Leadership Conference in Columbus March 7 and 8, and the BPA National Leadership Conference to Chicago, May 10-14; and
• accepted the donation of a fire blanket for the high school cooking classes from High School Principal Annettee Ramga-Alatorre, and the volunteer services of Steve Henderson as indoor track coach.
Members also met in executive session as requested to discuss the employment of personnel.
Members have called a work session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, to discuss finances.
The next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26.
Deron King, standing, left, is administered the oath of office by Treasurer Jennifer Sudhoff. (Benjamin Logan Photo)
