Benjamin Logan Board of Education members approved at their Monday evening meeting the district’s financial forecast, which predicts all five years with year-end balances in the black.
Jennifer Sudhoff, treasurer/CFO, provided a detailed report on the cost-savings measures implemented by the district and again relayed that there is no longer a need for the district to pursue an operating levy, as she had previously reported at the August board meeting.
She said cost reductions have included the following: zero-based budgeting, shortened school year, staffing reductions through attrition, a 12.5 percent reduction in supplemental position salaries, utilizing purchasing cooperative programs, outsourcing services where applicable, bus routing efficiency and best diesel prices, utility management, and comparing prices from vendors to ensure the district is receiving the best possible prices.
“The district is continuing to look for cost savings measures to balance costs while maintaining the quality of education our community deserves,” Sudhoff said. “The financial stability of the district has drastically improved through expenditure reductions and cost-containment practices, while prioritizing needs and looking for ways to reallocate resources.”
According to the five-year forecast, the year-end cash balance for fiscal year 2021 is projected as $5,252,044. For fiscal year 2022, that balance is predicted as $5,055,028.
In the upcoming years, Superintendent John Scheu said the “big unknown” is the amount of state funding that will be allocated to school districts.
“We feel confident that with decisions and policies put in place, our financial well-being should continue positively on course.
“At Benjamin Logan Schools, we recognize that our residents invest in the future of our community through its schools and that clear communication about our finances is critical to demonstrating fiscal responsibility.”
The full five-year forecast is available on district’s website www.benjaminlogan.org. A financial update newsletter also will be mailed to district residents after the meeting to explain the improved financial picture of the district.
In buildings and grounds matters, district officials reported that County Road 26 by the elementary school is being widened by the county to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The elementary school parking lot is being expanded as well.
Nick Fee, project manager, shared that about 900 tons of stone was left over from the Scioto Ridge Wind Farm project of Hardin and Logan Counties was donated to Benjamin Logan Schools.
The Logan County Highway Department is hauling the stone and performing the grating at no cost to the district, officials said.
Members expressed appreciation to the Logan County Engineer’s Office and Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman and White Construction Inc. out of Clinton, Ind.
Officials also reported that the bus driver banner on district grounds has resulted in several individuals applying for positions to be bus drivers. Members approved the following bus driver hires: Randi Buffkin, Kary Henry, Jaycee Murray and Amanda Iiams.
Prior to the meeting, the Annual Board and Administration Career Tech Appreciation dinner was hosted by the district. Career Tech staff and students from the high school presented on the achievements and events of each career tech program and their student organizations.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the retirement resignation of longtime teacher Lois Stoll, effective May 27;
• approved one-year contract, for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, for the following classified individuals: Jaycee Murray, assistant mechanic; and Rebecca Peterson, food service;
• approved the re-assignment of Rebecca Ropp to head cook, effective Sept. 4;
• approved the Joslin Lee as a study tables teacher;
• extended a supplemental contract to Christina Shotts, high school show choir; and
• approved Selena Avila, Ohio Northern University music education student, for spring student teacher placement with Tyler Young.
The next meeting is Monday, Dec. 14.