Leah Baker

The Work Session included the appointment of Scott Spriggs as Treasurer Pro-Tem. The agenda, which was approved, was for a special meeting. The primary work session discussion topic focused on the Superintendent Search.

The strategic plan for Benjamin Logan Local Schools outlines district goals for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on excellence, responsibility, and community. Key strategic pillars include Academic Excellence, aiming for a 4.5 or better overall rating on the Ohio School Report Card; Financial Responsibility, ensuring revenues exceed expenditures by FY 2026; and Community Engagement, strengthening connections with families and community members. The plan is driven by a mission to empower every student to learn, lead, and achieve, and a vision to provide educational experiences that shape lives and build communities.

Key discussions and actions included the authorization of required third-grade assessments (English language arts, Mathematics, and alternative assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities) to be administered in paper format for the 2026-2027 school year, with an exception for students whose IEP or 504 plan specifies online format. The Board also approved the resignation of the Superintendent, John Scheu, effective July 31, 2026, for retirement purposes. Financial actions involved approving the December 2025 Finance report, associated bills, and a $500 grant from Logan County Community Connections. Personnel actions, approved via consent agenda, covered employment advancements, hourly positions, substitute lists, supplemental resignations, and new supplemental employment. Additionally, the Board approved the second reading and approval of a special transportation update concerning drug and alcohol testing policies for CDL and non-CDL drivers. Donations, including $250.00 from McDonald's for the High School Athletic Department, were accepted. The session concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The meeting included presentations recognizing the Seniors of the Month for February. Key board actions involved approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), approving a resolution for 2026-2027 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and approving the hiring of an additional Speech/Language Pathologist starting the 2026-2027 school year. The board also approved unpaid administrative leave for the Transportation Director. Financial actions included approving the January 2026 Finance report, accepting various grants, and approving the Five Year Forecast. Personnel actions involved approving resignations (including two retirements) and the employment of substitutes and supplemental staff for athletics. Instructional decisions included approving Inter-district and Intra-district Open Enrollment for 2026-2027, approving new high school courses, and approving the 2027-2028 school calendar. Further actions included approving the purchase of two buses and accepting several donations, as well as approving an appointment to the Belle Center Free Public Library following a resignation. The board held two separate Executive Sessions.

The organizational meeting involved several procedural actions and administrative appointments. Key discussions included administering the oath of office to a new Board of Education member, approving a resolution to suspend Bylaw 0145 regarding filling a Board vacancy, and appointing a new Board of Education member (Deron King). Officers were elected, resulting in Mark Himmeger being approved as President and Deb Johnson as Vice President. The standing committee assignments and representatives for the 2026 calendar year were approved. Consent agenda items included the appointment of various coordinators, setting the schedule for regular meetings for the 2026 calendar year, establishing a $5,000.00 Service Fund, setting Board Member pay at $125 per meeting (up to 24 meetings per year), approving insurance options for Board Members, adopting standing authorizations for financial management and personnel actions by the Treasurer, President, and Superintendent, retaining legal counsel, and designating local media outlets for official publications.