The Benjamin Logan School Board met in regular session Monday night, with a light agenda.
The first action was to recognize the March Seniors of the Month, Miah Defibaugh and Joseph Meeker.
The Board also approved the financial report from District Treasurer/CFO Leah Baker for the month of February. Baker advised the board that she is beginning to receive tax payments from localities that send students to the district. She also said she made adjustments to the Class of 2028’s appropriations because they failed to account for fundraising events the class has hosted.
In her report to the Board, Elementary Principal Holly Barr said her students and staff handled the recent tornado-warned storm that recently passed through the area. She said the students held up well. She also said that the 3rd- and 4th-grade i-Ready testing will be held next week.
Middle School Principal Todd Shadley also praised his staff during the storm. He recognized the teacher’s quick action and calm manner in which they escorted the students to the building’s safe area.
Their [the staff’s] ability to respond quickly ensured students remained safe and calm during a potentially stressful situation.
Shadley also reported that the school recently completed a round of i-Ready diagnostic assessments. He said preliminary indications show the students have “significant growth” in reading and mathematics.
He also said the middle school will be partnering with the high school to offer unified arts opportunities for middle school students beginning next year. Shadley said that potential offerings for 8th graders include Spanish 1, Vocational Agriculture, and Robotics. A Creative Coding class for 7th graders is in the works.
High School Principal Annette Alatorre informed the board that a student of Art teacher Mrs. Davis will have a mosaic piece displayed in the Ohio House of Representatives Student Art Exhibit on September 26, 2026.
Several students will participate in the FFA State Convention on May 1. Alatorre also recognized the high school band qualified for the OMEA State Competition on May 1. She also praised the staff and students for the way they handled the recent severe weather.
The board also approved the following personnel moves:
- Resignations
- Margaret Bowlby, Band Teacher, effective July 31, 2026
- Richard Large, Custodian, effective March 16, 2026
- New Hires (pending Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Department of Education licensure requirements)
- Kassidy Crockett, Speech Pathologist, two-year administrative contract from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2028
- Megan Mast, Teacher, one-year limited contract from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027
The board approved a contract with Warwick for $134,653.46 to replace the district’s current phone system with a Mitel system. District Director of Information Technology Services Nic George told the board that the district’s current phone system is antiquated, so much so that the current company will no longer provide support, parts, or service for the system after this year.
He explained that the system will enable the district’s phones to work even when phone service or internet service is disrupted, a feature that would not be available with less expensive options. While the initial cost is significant, George said the district will only pay for servicing moving forward.
The Board then adjourned into executive session.
The next school board meeting will be held April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
