Benjamin Logan Board of Education Reviews Finances, Approves Staff Appointments and Disney World Trip

The Benjamin Logan Local School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Benjamin Logan Central Conference Room. The meeting highlighted student achievement and addressed district finances, personnel appointments, school policies, and upcoming educational opportunities.

Celebrating Student Achievement

The meeting began with recognition of Benjamin Logan High School’s October Seniors of the Month, Junah Tingley and Brandon Heater, celebrating their accomplishments as members of the Class of 2027.

Board Business and Administrative Updates

Following an opportunity for public participation, the Board approved the minutes from its September 21, 2026, regular meeting. The Board also received updates from the Superintendent and building administrators on district operations and school activities.

Superintendent, Dr. Sean Flynn shared Fall sports CBC highlights; he noted that on November 11 BLHS will host the Veterans Day Ceremony.

Benjamin Logan Elementary School, Principal Holly Barr reported successful field trips for students in kindergarten through third grade, with appreciation for parent chaperones. The PTC celebrated a successful fundraiser, hosted its first Art Jams event of the year, and organized the Book Fair. Third-grade students are preparing for the fall Reading Ohio State Test.

Benjamin Logan Middle School, Principal Todd Shadley highlighted the school’s focus on Raider Core Values, beginning with Respect. Through a grade-level competition, students have already earned 1,502 points for demonstrating respectful behavior. Monthly student and staff recognition programs continue, with Authenticity serving as the next school wide focus.

Benjamin Logan High School Principal, Annette Alatorre reported a successful Homecoming Week organized by Student Government and recognized both soccer teams for qualifying for postseason play. Recent activities included a student-organized blood drive, Logan County College Day, Feed the Farmers, and Cardboard City. Upcoming events include college application workshops, career exploration opportunities, the Show Choir Spectacular, and the high school play. The 2027 Homecoming Parade will take place on a Sunday afternoon next fall in West Mansfield to avoid weekday scheduling conflicts.

District Financial Stewardship

The Board approved the September 2026 financial report, including bank reconciliations, financial reports, and September bills, confirming that expenditures were for proper public purposes.

The Board also approved the transfer of remaining Class of 2026 funds totaling $1,707.11 to four student activity accounts:

$1,007.11 to the Class of 2028

$300.00 to the Class of 2030

$200.00 to the Spanish Club

$200.00 to the National Honor Society

Additionally, the Board approved a resolution authorizing payment of outstanding dental claims resulting from the cessation of operations of the Oasis Trust on September 1, 2026. The resolution addressed unpaid dental bills from June, July, and August 2026 that should have been covered under the district’s dental plan before the Trust ceased operations.

Personnel and Staffing Updates

The Board approved personnel recommendations presented by the Superintendent, including resignations, employment appointments, and supplemental contracts.

Staff Resignations

The Board accepted the following resignations:

Kari Barns, Food Service Worker, effective October 16, 2026, for further employment.

Mel Roberts, Bus Driver, effective October 2, 2026, following the morning route, for personal reasons.

Brooke Thompson, Custodian, effective October 7, 2026, for personal reasons.

New Personnel Appointment

The Board approved the employment of Ernest Holycross as a Bus Driver at Step 3 of the salary schedule, effective October 19, 2026.

Holycross was employed under a one-year limited contract for the remainder of the August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, contract period, contingent upon completion of applicable Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Department of Education licensure requirements.

Educational Service Center Substitutes

The Board approved the Educational Service Center substitute list for the 2026–2027 school year at a daily rate of $130, contingent upon completion of applicable employment requirements.

Supplemental Contract Resignation

The Board accepted the resignation of Jane Hough from her middle school Art Club supplemental contract for the 2026–2027 school year.

2026–2027 Athletic and Non-Athletic Supplemental Contracts

The Board approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2026–2027 school year, with individuals placed at their respective steps on the supplemental salary schedule upon completion of applicable Ohio Revised Code requirements.

Athletic Supplemental Contracts

Brandon Storm – Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, Step 0

Tate Stratton – Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, Step 1

Eric Nichols – High School Freshman Boys Basketball Coach, Step 0

Joel Phillips – High School JV Boys Basketball Coach, Step 5

Jamie Hughes – Middle School Girls Basketball Coach, Step 5

Abbie Boop – High School JV Girls Basketball Coach, Step 3

Scott Vermillion – High School Head Boys Basketball Coach, Step 5

Tracy Gregg – High School Head Girls Basketball Coach, Step 1

Barney Sullivan – High School Boys Bowling Coach, Step 4

Tammy Poling – High School Girls Bowling Coach, Step 5

Teaira Judd – Middle School Basketball Cheer Coach, Step 0

Mitch Sweeney – High School Boys Swimming Coach, Step 5

Kane Beltz – Middle School Wrestling Coach, Step 0

Tony Pendergraff – Middle School Wrestling Coach, Step 1

Kiel Henry – High School Assistant Wrestling Coach, Step 5

Kyle Seeley – High School Head Boys Wrestling Coach, Step 5

Bryan Newland – High School Head Girls Wrestling Coach, Step 3

Kevin Butler – High School Assistant Weight Room Coordinator, Step 5

Non-Athletic Supplemental Contracts

Kayla Null – Co-High School Musical Director, Step 0

Gretchen Powell – Middle School Art Club, one-half contract, Step 0

Jane Hough – Middle School Art Club, one-half contract, Step 5

In a separate personnel action, the Board approved Alison Spriggs as High School Varsity Basketball Cheer Coach at Step 5 for the 2026–2027 school year.

Board Policy Updates

The Board completed the second reading and approved Policy Update Volume 45, Number 1, dated August 2026, addressing 20 district policies covering governance, student services, athletics, financial accountability, personnel, and school operations.

The approved updates included:

0145 – Filling a Board Vacancy

0146 – Resignation or Removal

1231 – Outside Activities of Staff

2265 – Protections of Individual Beliefs, Affiliations, Ideals, or Principles of Political Movements and Ideology

2431 – Interscholastic Athletics

2431.07 – Extracurricular Participation of Non-Enrolled Public High School Students (Student Athlete Mobility “SAM Act”)

3231 – Outside Activities of Staff

4231 – Outside Activities of Staff

5111.01 – Homeless Students

5224 – Youth Membership Organization Access

5330 – Use of Medications

5463 – Credits from State-Chartered and Nonchartered Nonpublic Schools

6100 – Proper Use of Public Funds

6423 – Use of Credit Cards

7540.10 – Recording and AI Processing of Communications on School Property and at School Events

8120 – Volunteers

8310 – Public Records

8330 – Student Records

8470 – Sex Offender Notification

9700 – Relations with Special Interest Groups

Educational Opportunities: Band and Choir Trip

The Board approved an overnight educational trip for Benjamin Logan High School Band and Choir students, parents, and chaperones to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, April 7–13, 2028.

The trip was presented with an accompanying itinerary outlining the planned travel.

Community Generosity and Support

The Board accepted five monetary and in-kind donations supporting students, families, and district programs.

The donations included:

$50.00 from an anonymous donor to the Food Service Department to assist families in need.

Handcrafted wooden keys valued at $375.00 to support the National Honor Society.

$1,000.00 from the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators to Deepika Scheiderer, Benjamin Logan Middle School Assistant Principal, to support building needs.

$800.00 from Brent and Sarah Luttmer to the Benjamin Logan FFA program to help offset National FFA Convention expenses.

$1,125.00 in meal vouchers from Road Maintenance for FFA students, staff, chaperones, and bus drivers attending the Farm Science Review.

The district appreciates the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose contributions support students and school programs.

The Board also approved Valerie Kerns as a volunteer Indoor Track Coach.

The Board received the October 2026 High School Guidance Newsletter and FFA Newsletter, along with updates from Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.

Next Board Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Benjamin Logan Board of Education was scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Executive Session and Adjournment

The agenda included an executive session for matters permitted under Ohio law at 6:30 PM.