Benjamin Logan Board of Education Holds March Regular Meeting

Bellefontaine, Ohio — The Benjamin Logan Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Conference Room.

During the meeting, the Board recognized March Seniors of the Month, Miah Defibaugh and Joseph Meeker, for their outstanding accomplishments.

The Board approved the February 2026 financial report, including bank reconciliations, expenditures, and an appropriation adjustment. Treasurer/CFO Leah Baker reported that the district has begun receiving tax payments from partner localities and noted adjustments to Class of 2028 accounts to reflect previously unaccounted fundraising activity.

Administrative Reports Highlight Student Growth and Safety

Building principals shared updates highlighting both student achievement and staff response during recent severe weather:

Elementary Principal Holly Barr commended students and staff for their calm and effective response during a recent tornado-warned storm. She also noted that i-Ready testing for third and fourth grade students will take place next week.

Middle School Principal Todd Shadley praised staff for their quick action and composed leadership during the storm, ensuring student safety. He reported that recent i-Ready diagnostic assessments indicate significant growth in both reading and mathematics. Shadley also announced expanded unified arts opportunities for middle school students beginning next year, including Spanish I, Vocational Agriculture, Robotics, and a planned Creative Coding course.

High School Principal Annette Alatorre shared that a student of Mrs. Davis (Junah Hardman) will have artwork featured in the Ohio House of Representatives Student Art Exhibit on September 26, 2026. She also highlighted student participation in the upcoming FFA State Convention and announced that the high school band has qualified for the OMEA State Competition on May 1. Alatorre also commended staff and students for their response during recent severe weather.

Personnel and Operational Updates

The Board approved several personnel actions, including:

Resignations:

Margaret Bowlby, Band Teacher (effective July 31, 2026)

Richard Large, Custodian

New Hires (pending licensure requirements):

Kassidy Crockett, Speech Pathologist (two-year contract)

Megan Mast, Teacher (one-year contract)

In addition, the Board approved a $134,653.46 contract with Warwick to replace the district’s current phone system with a Mitel system. The upgrade will improve reliability and ensure continued communication capabilities, even during service disruptions.

The Board also completed additional routine business, including approval of prior meeting minutes, policy reviews, and acceptance of donations and volunteer services.

The meeting concluded with an executive session for deliberation, with no action taken.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Benjamin Logan Board of Education will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.