The Bellefontaine Board of Education thanked voters during their Monday evening meeting for their support in passing the Substitute Emergency Operating Levy that appeared on the November ballot.
The levy will collect $1.185 million annually. The funds generated will be used for daily operating expenses in the district.
“Time after time the citizens who reside within the Bellefontaine City School District have shown their support and pride in their school district,” Superintendent Brad Hall said.
“We truly appreciate that support and recognize and genuinely respect what it means to cast a vote. We don’t take that vote of confidence lightly and will continue to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars.
“Our district can provide tremendous opportunities and a high level of education to our students and we have the community to thank.”
The board also passed a resolution that temporarily authorizes the employment of substitute teachers who do not hold post-secondary degrees. This measure is in accordance with Senate Bill 1, which became effective in Ohio on Oct. 28.
“Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of substitute teachers. This is one step the legislature has taken to alleviate the shortage,” Hall explained.
“Individuals who are interested still need to complete a full background check, be licensed through the State of Ohio, and be approved by the district to be a substitute teacher. Anyone who is interested in learning more about this option can contact the board office at (937) 593-9060.
“For now, this is only available for the remainder of this school year and all of the districts in the county pay $105 per day for substitute teachers.”
Members also heard a presentation from Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler and Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds regarding the benefits of Community Reinvestment Areas across the city.
A Community Reinvestment Area allows property owners to receive tax incentives for constructing new or renovating existing buildings.
While there is an abatement period of five to 15 years, tax values still increase because of improvements outside the dwelling, like sidewalks and driveways.
Stahler also touted the city’s growth in recent years. Bellefontaine’s population increased by 6 percent from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census.
Logan County grew by 0.5 percent. During the same time, the population decreased in Champaign, Shelby and Hardin counties.
The mayor provided a list of housing projects to illustrate the growth. These include: Willow’s End (off Reservoir Road), Eagles Nest (behind Taco Bell), Maris Park (County Road 10 and Township Road 179), Fall Ridge Estates (near Shawnee Trace), Pine Knoll (White Pines Drive), and Pinebrooke Estates (east side of Township Road 179 across from White Pines Drive).
The average home will cost around $619,000 in Pinebrooke Estates.
A total of 60 housing permits were approved in Bellefontaine between 2018 and 2020.
Other projects in the city include Love’s Travel Plaza, Campbell Landing Apartments (across from Hyland Hills Plaza), and Wright Street Condominiums.
“We want more housing for families and the workforce,” Stahler said. “We’re helping to develop our community one house at a time.”
The board did not take any action on Community Reinvestment Areas, but learned about this key economic development tool.
Treasurer Josh Wasson presented his five-year forecast, noting that the district will be in the black for the next two years.
BCS could face deficit spending in years three through five. The treasurer said there are too many variables to accurately predict past 2023.
Money from the levy will start being collected in 2023.
BHS Band Director Jeremy Karg discussed a proposed trip to Orlando, Fla., from Dec. 26-30, 2022. The marching band will play at the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando.
This will replace the trip to Philadelphia and New York City, which the band has done every four years. Philadelphia and New York have very stringent COVID restrictions.
The board will vote on the Orlando trip at their next meeting — slated for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 in the Distance Learning Center.
Members also approved two other previously presented student trips — the Marketing/DECA trip to Orlando for the DECA Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference from Feb. 2-6; and the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., from May 16-19.
In personnel, the board accepted the retirements of technology coordinator Maria Borba and ESL/Gifted teacher Donna Brunner. Borba’s final day will be March 1. Brunner will retire Aug. 1.
Debbie Sheehan was hired as the new high school secretary, effective Nov. 15. She is replacing Tonja Braun.
The board approved the indoor track program led by Ben Davis.
Finally, the board recognized October Seniors of the Month, Vivian Eader and Ethan Yoder.