The February Benjamin Logan School Board meeting saw several personnel issues resolved.
Before the staffing issues were addressed, the board approved membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for the 2025-2026 school year.
The action, done every year, allows the school to compete in post-season tournaments and provides licensed officials for school sports.
The board also approved a Midwest Regional Educational Service Center (MRESC) contract for the 2025-2026 school year.
The services provided by MRESC include Curriculum and School Improvement, Student Services Administration, Students With Disabilities (SWD) Units (including Behavioral Specialist), SWD Unit Speech Therapy, Psychologist, Physical Therapy, and Vision Impaired/Orientation & Mobility.
High School Principal Annette Alatorre recognized the Seniors of the Month for January, Taytum Daniels and Kameron Lockwood, and February, Dylan Vance and Kate Gulick. Lockwood was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.
In her report, Elementary School Principal Holly Barr informed the board that she was pleased with the community involvement displayed in the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances.
The teachers are refining the grade card system to ensure consistency in assessment criteria and methods. Also, the Science Fair and Open House were both very successful.
Middle School Principal Todd Shadley updated the board on recent athletic events and noted that Dr. Collins continues collaborating with staff to integrate writing across the curriculum.
Principal Alatorre advised that all students are registered for the next school year.
She also reported that the boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams are advancing to districts.
Additionally, the boys’ bowling team is set to compete at the State championship this weekend.
The Board accepted the following personnel actions:
Resignations:
Scott LeVan, Teacher, effective June 1, 2025, for retirement.
Kary Henry, Bus Driver, effective January 31, 2025, for personal reasons.
Employment:
Bus Drivers: One-Year Limited Contract (Effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025)
Mel Roberts effective February 3, 2025.
Ashlee Phillips effective February 18, 2025.
- Middle School Counselor:
- Samantha Schaffner Gessler One-year limited contract (Effective August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026)
Teacher: One-Year Limited Contract (Effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026)
Ronald (Jamie) Gill, MS Teacher, effective August 1, 2025. Jamie is a 2020 Benjamin Logan graduate.
Change of Assignment:
Erica Caudill to Head Cook effective March 3, 2025
The board also approved new hires with several teams:
- Baseball Coach Assistant HS Quinn Morris
Baseball Coach Assistant HS Cody Wood
Baseball Coach Head Jeremy Allen
Softball Coach Assistant HS Tracy Gregg
Softball Coach Assistant HS Jim Parker
Softball Coach Head HS Amanda Davis
Track Coach Assistant MS Lance Predmore
Track Coach Assistant MS Jamie Gill
Track Coach Assistant Boys HS Brian Hemmelgarn
Track Coach Assistant Boys HS Jamie Hughes (½ contract)
Track Coach Assistant Boys HS Mike Overturf (¼ contract)
Track Coach Assistant Boys HS Jeff Wical (¼ contract)
Track Coach Assistant Girls HS Trish Hemmelgarn
Track Coach Assistant Girls HS Scott Wenger
Track Coach Head Boys HS Kevin Butler
Track Coach Head Boys MS Sheridon Storm
Track Coach Head Girls HS Mike Coder
Track Coach Head Girls MS Colleen Bodin
Weight Room Assistant Coordinator HS Kyle Seeley
The board also approved the following appointments and donations:
Karen Barnes as Trustee of the Belle Center Free Public Library effective January 1, 2025.
Internet Services from Byhalia. net, LLC for project and internet services totaling $17,674.34.
Volunteer services for Baseball: Derek Leva, Nolan Roose, Trey Allen
Volunteer service for Softball: Adam Brunson
The next board meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
Sally Stolly contributed to this story.
