Among the items considered by the Benjamin Logan School Board on Monday night, they approved a recommendation from Superintendent John Scheu to purchase two new school buses at a cost of $136,864 per bus. Superintendent Scheu reminded the board that they have been considering it for several months, but an aging fleet of buses is forcing the issue to the forefront.
The district purchased seven new buses on a lease/loan program three or four years ago, according to Scheu, but the program is no longer in operation.
Scheu recommended that the board consider purchasing one or two buses over the next few years.
The board also approved an annual resolution authorizing membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026-2027 school year.
Additionally, the board approved hiring an additional Speech/Language Pathologist for the 2026–2027 school year. Currently, the lone Speech/Language Pathologist is overworked, working with nearly 100 students. It is estimated that for the 26-27 school year, the number of students needing those services will rise to 120. The request was approved, and the search will begin immediately.
Elementary School Principal Holly Barr informed the board that the elementary school recently hosted its annual Science Fair, featuring 67 projects from first through fourth grade students. Approximately 150 guests came to view the projects.
She also said that the school’s Mother/Son dance is this Friday, and the Daddy/Daughter dance is on Saturday. Barr said that currently, over 600 individuals are registered for the event.
In his report, Middle School Principal Todd Shadley informed the board that the school is set to soft-launch a new Mission Statement and RAIDER Core values soon, with a full rollout next school year.
At BLMS, our mission is to be 1% better every day for ourselves, our school, and our community by upholding our Raider Core Values.
Principal Shadley also said that he is in the process of hiring an Interventions Specialist and a Fifth Grade Teacher due to upcoming retirements.
District Treasurer and CFO Leah Baker presented the board with an amended Five-Year Budget Forecast. She explained to the board that new regulations require a forecast to be made at the end of February and at the end of October each year.
As with other district Treasurers, Baker said there is significant uncertainty about the amount of funding the district will receive from the State of Ohio moving forward. The House Bills have been passed, but, according to Baker, the State has provided very little guidance to districts on how their funding will be affected.
She did say that the Benjamin Logan district will fare better than other districts because it is receiving guaranteed funding, meaning its funds are not based solely on enrollment numbers.
She also said that according to her forecast, the district will begin deficit spending in Fiscal Year 2029. But she reminded the district that it will be able to withstand the funding shortfall because of its strong on-hand cash balance, currently at 90+ days.
The board approved several personnel issues:
Resignations –
- Stephenie Jordan, Teacher — effective May 31, 2026 (retirement)
- Lori Matthews, Teacher — effective May 31, 2026 (retirement)
- Chad Jordan, Custodian — effective January 30, 2026
Substitute hires –
- Food Service — Kassandra Larsen, effective February 9, 2026
Supplemental, Athletic –
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS — Trey Allen
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS — Tony Griffith
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS — Cody Wood
- Baseball Coach Head HS — Jeremy Allen
- Softball Coach Assistant HS — Lynzee Cronkleton
- Softball Coach Assistant HS — Tracy Gregg
- Softball Coach Head HS — Amanda Davis
- Track Coach Assistant MS — Sheridon Storm
- Track Coach Assistant MS — Ryan Buffkin
- Track Coach Assistant Boys HS — Brian Hemmelgarn (½ contract)
- Track Coach Assistant Boys HS — Jamie Hughes (½ contract)
- Track Coach Assistant Boys HS — Jeff Wical (½ contract)
- Track Coach Assistant Boys HS — Mike Overturf (½ contract)
- Track Coach Assistant Girls HS — Scott Wenger
- Track Coach Assistant Girls HS — Trisha Hemmelgarn
- Track Coach Head Boys HS — Kevin Butler
- Track Coach Head Boys MS — Jamie Gill
- Track Coach Head Girls HS — Mike Coder
- Track Coach Head Girls MS — Colleen Bodin
- Weight Room Assistant HS — Kyle Seeley
- Weight Room Head Coordinator — Jeff Fay
- Weight Room Head Coordinator — Colleen Bodin
Supplemental, Non-Athletic –
- Musical Tech Director HS — Paul Gantt
Volunteers –
- Track Coach MS/HS — Neill Rhodes
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS — Nathan Gregg
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS — Jeremy Williams
Belle Center Free Public Library Appointment –
- The Board had accepted the resignation of Dave Johns, Trustee, effective January 10, 2026.
- The Board had appointed Janet Moore, Trustee, effective February 9, 2026, to fulfill the unexpired term of Dave Johns through December 31, 2027.
The board then entered into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official, or the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee, official, licensee, or student, unless the individual requested a public hearing.
Prior to the private session, Board President Mark Himmeger said that the district would be discussing the hiring of a new superintendent:
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public.
Sally Stolly contributed to this story.
