Benjamin Logan Schools Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Sudhoff presented board of education members with positive financial news at their Monday evening board of education meeting with the updated five-year forecast, now showing all year-ending cash balances in the black.
Sudhoff said this financial picture has significantly improved from how the forecast was shaping up just several years ago, when the district placed an operating levy on the November 2019 ballot, which failed to meet voter approval.
She related that this turn-around been through careful budgeting and efforts by the administration, board and staff to make cut-backs, along with some new developments on the revenue side.
Sudhoff began her tenure at Benjamin Logan in March of 2020 and Superintendent John Scheu started in his role in the summer of 2020. As they settled into their new positions, the administrative pair joined together to apply zero-based budgeting and to closely examine spending, they said.
“The district has worked very hard and on budgeting and the superintendent has worked to attain savings through attrition and not replacing some of our positions,” Sudhoff said. “We’re cautiously optimistic and pleased about our forecast and want to relay that to our community.”
“Through careful planning and oversight, and with additional revenues the district’s finances are in very good shape for the foreseeable future,” Scheu said.
“Unless some unforeseen emergency where state funding would be significantly reduced, for at least the next five years there will not be any need to ask voters for additional money to operate the schools.
“It is a significant positive development — anytime a school district can predict at the end of a five-year financial forecast, being in the black.”
For the current fiscal year, Benjamin Logan is predicted to end the year with a fund balance of $4,068,909, and next fiscal year 2024 with a balance of $4,054,748.
On the revenue side, Sudhoff noted the district should see a marked increase in property tax revenues after the recent Logan County property tax revaluations, which were up 30 percent across the county.
In addition, anticipated windmill revenue payments from windmills in both Logan and Hardin counties are slated to begin in March. The district should see a partial windmill payment in fiscal year 2023 of $430,000, and then beginning in fiscal year 2024, should realize the full payment of approximately $800,000, which is incorporated into the final four years of the forecast.
These extra revenues also are helpful as the district works to decrease its deficit spending and also to focus on several different areas, including improvements to athletic facilities and the music department, and keeping the bus fleet on a good purchasing schedule.
The treasurer is keeping a close eye on how inflation is affecting the forecast for purchasing supplies and services. Diesel fuel, for example, is one the district’s largest inflationary expenses, which has now reached $5.69 a gallon, up from $2.71 a gallon in January. Benjamin Logan purchased 51,300 gallons of diesel in school year 2021-22 for the bus fleet, which covers 220 square miles, the 16th largest district by square mileage in the state.
In other district news, the Middle School House deans spoke about the excitement surrounding the new House system that has been implemented this school year. Deans Melody Wishin, Lisa Smith, Amanda Davis, Deepika Scheiderer and Colleen McDaniel related that each of the students in grades 5-8 is now assigned to one of four Houses or families — Logan, Perry, Monroe and Zane.
The Houses join together for many team-building activities and the teachers are able to check in with students and build relationships with them. Pupils commented that they are able to get to know students in other grade levels and staff members.
“You can connect with your school like never before,” one student said about the program.
“You are welcomed and have a place,” another peer said.
Scheu extended congratulations to the staff on the success of the initiative.
“The timing of the program is great, as we’re coming out of the pandemic and all of the mental health issues that come along with that. The cohesiveness and relationship building is wonderful.”
During the hearing of visitors, members heard from Belle Center resident Brad Gerritsen, who provided public comment in favor of the re-employment of BLMS Principal Scott Frederick after retirement.
While Gerritsen’s children have now graduated from Benjamin Logan, he said Frederick was a strong supporter of his two sons after they sustained serious injuries in a car crash while they were in middle school.
It is standard procedure to allow audience participation for the community to comment either pro or con on a retire/rehire proposal. A final decision will be made at the next meeting, slated for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the retirement resignation of longtime teacher Doug Rutan, effective July 31;
• accepted the resignations of Sonja Frederick, director of nutrition/HR, effective Dec. 2; and Joshua Bowen, computer technician, effective Nov. 11;
• approved the following new hires on a one-year limited contract: Ryan Dodds, systems administrator, effective Nov. 28 (219-day contract); Mackenzie Bigler, custodian, effective Nov. 7; Christopher Roberts, bus driver, effective Nov. 7;
• approved payment to the Resident Educator Program Mentors for the 2022-23 school year;
• approved of individuals for Detention, Saturday School, and Study Tables as per the negotiated agreement for the 2022-2023 school year; and approved Math Minds Instructors;
• approved athletic supplemental contracts for: Mark Campbell, freshman boys basketball; Jeff Fay, head weight room coordinator; Trisha Hemmelgarn, Kyle Seeley, Kyle Rose, assistant weight room coordinators;
• approved of overnight trips for Benjamin Logan wrestling students and FFA members;
• approved of designated bus stops and times; and
• approval of volunteer coaches: Deb Ward, girls bowling; Cadman Roose, middle school assistant wrestling; Jordy Buck, high school assistant wrestling.
Members also convened in executive session to discuss personnel.
The next meeting is 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the central office.