For the first time in three years, Benjamin Logan Schools received an annual report card that came close to resembling pre-pandemic accounts. Superintendent John Scheu presented the results to the board of education at Monday night’s monthly meeting.
Scheu made special note of Benjamin Logan’s gap closing score, which received five out of five stars.
“And that’s an area where even high-scoring schools have trouble,” he said. “Basically, it’s very positive.”
According to the report, “the gap closing component shows how well schools are meeting performance expectations for our most vulnerable populations of students in English language arts, math and graduation.”
In addition, it measures the school’s success in English proficiency. Colleen Bodin, elementary school principal, noted the achievement, saying it’s “definitely an area to be proud of.” She also acknowledged where they need work, specifically, improving the overall third- and fourth-grade scores.
Earlier, as the meeting started, the board returned to the topic of Weekday Religious Education (WRE) onsite, with several audience members participating in the conversation, beginning with Chad Lump, WRE president.
Lump expressed concern regarding the location of the WRE trailer, stating he’s been in touch with Governor Mike DeWine’s office about the matter and is waiting to hear back.
“We have to make a stand,” Lump said. “My plea is that the trailers remain (on the drive area),” then added, “and keep our eyes and ears on what’s happening.”
Other audience members spoke in support of WRE, including parent Alonna Watkins, who stated she was “cautiously optimistic the board will support this as they have in the past.” And Mike Elson with Belle Center Presbyterian Church, expressed his belief such education could save a child—even one—from a life of crime.
Also during the meeting, Scheu reported that Benjamin Logan looks forward to receiving a $150,000 security grant this year and he presented three priorities for using the money:
1. Safety film for all entrance doors. “It keeps bullets from compromising the integrity of the glass,” Scheu said. “The more time we can buy to get SROs and law enforcement to the school the better.” His next step will be getting quotes from different companies.
2. Security cameras to make sure all areas of the school are covered.
3. Make all entrance doors electronic and “do away with keys.”
The goal for getting in the application is Oct. 3. “I feel good about this enhanced safety in the near future,” Scheu added.
Board member Deb Johnson asked about also getting safety film for windows as well, which Scheu described as cost-prohibitive at this time.
“We’re looking at any area where someone has easy access into the building,” Scheu responded.
He cited other instances that show perpetrators typically shoot out the front doors to gain entry, and said, “We’re developing a plan to cover it all … but I think whatever we do will enhance security protection for our kids.”
In financial matters, Jennifer Sudhoff, treasurer/CFO, reported that a $20,000 grant was awarded toward continued development of a comprehensive, cohesive computer science curriculum for kindergarten through twelfth grades. The team consists of high school computer science teacher Jason Smith, middle school technology teacher Sarah Smith, middle school STEM teacher Gretchen Powell and elementary technology paraprofessional Brooke Smith.
Sudhoff said Spencer Reames received a $1,000 grant through the Arthur S. Holden Award for Excellence in Science Education.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the resignations of Hannah Olsen, educational assistant, effective Sept. 8; and Ryan Buffkin, bus driver, effective Sept. 23;
• a two-year administrative contract was approved for Stacie Newman, food service director/EMIS at CLSII, effective Oct. 6;
• one-year limited contracts were approved for: Chad Jordan, custodian, effective Sept. 19; Jon Appelfeller, bus driver, effective August 1; Ali Miller, educational assistant, effective September 28; Conrad Potvin, bus driver, (rescind previously approved August 15, 2022);
• approved the advancement of teacher Laura Bilbrey on the salary schedule for having earned master’s plus 15, effective the 2022-23 school year;
• technology student intern Jonas Hoffman was approved at a rate of $12 per hour per timesheet, not to exceed 15 hours per week;
• extended athletic supplemental contracts to: Sage Caughenbaugh, cheer coach, varsity football (HS); Zach Johnson, Basketball coach, girls (MS); Barney Sullivan, bowling coach, boys (HS);
• extended the following non-athletic supplemental contracts: Art club (HS) – Jennifer Davis; Auditorium manager – Myles Bowers; Class adviser, freshman, sophomore – Andrea Fay; Class adviser; Class adviser, junior – Megan Dunfee; Events manager – Doug Rutan; Key Club advisor (HS) – Rob Painter; National Honor Society Spanish – Nelly Hughes; Play director (HS) – Myles Bowers; Show choir (HS) – Michael Dove; Student council advisor (HS) – Megan Dunfee; Teacher assistant program coordinator (HS) – Nicole Terrill; Yearbook advisor (HS) – Mandi Wood; Technology assistant (HS) – Joslin Lee; Testing coordinator (HS) – Nicole Fuller (½); Testing coordinator (HS) – Matt Smith (½).
• approved revised lunch pricess:ES lunch $2.70; MS/HS lunch $2.95 Reduced lunch 40 cents; Adult lunch $3.75; ES/MS/HS breakfast $1.60; ES/MS/HS reduced breakfast $.30; extra milk 40 cents;
• donations accepted: $300 from Bellefontaine Rotary Club to HS student government for the purpose of Veteran’s Day breakfast; $20 from the Blackbaud Giving Fund to Benjamin Logan Athletic Booster Club Inc.; and $20 from the Blackbaud Giving Fund to Benjamin Logan High School; and
• volunteer services approved include Courtney Baker, MS cross country coach.
The next meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, in the central office.