Superintendent John Scheu, standing, right, shakes hands with outgoing board member Chris Larsen at the Benjamin Logan Local School District Board of Education meeting on Monday. (BENJAMIN LOGAN PHOTO)
After serving on the Benjamin Logan Local School District Board of Education since March 2021, including as board president in 2022, Chris Larsen will be moving on as his term comes to an end. The board recognized his service at his final board meeting on Monday, Dec. 19.
In a statement from the district, John Scheu, school superintendent, praised Larsen’s excellent problem-solving and resolution skills. “Chris is well-respected for his decision-making ability and consistency,” Scheu stated.
Larsen expressed gratitude for his time on the board and the experience it provided but, he added, “even more for the ability to serve this district and the students it impacts. The board truly prioritizes student outcome.”
He credits his business background for helping him focus on facts in making decisions that enhance a collective purpose. In conclusion, he wished the board success in the years ahead.
Scheu said the board interviewed three candidates in looking for Larsen’s replacement and chose Deron King. He will be officially sworn into office at the Jan. 8, 2024, reorganizational meeting.
In other board action:
• A resolution authorizing required third-grade assessments in paper format was passed.
• The board recognized the December Seniors of the Month: Madeline Herring, East Liberty and Trevor Sclesky of Zanesfield;
• Treasurer Jennifer Sudhoff presented the November 2023 finance report and other financial items for approval, which included bank reconciliation and all bills, plus the following grants: LCEF building – $3,850; LCEF Towers of Learning – $1,000; OSGC hydroponic gardening – $1,000
• According to Scheu, three staff members have submitted their resignations: Brian Hunt, elementary school principal, is retiring effective, June 30; Nancy Forsythe, middle school teacher, is retiring, effective May 31; Jill Rowe, bus driver, has resigned in order to seek further employment, effective Jan. 2.
• Resignations were also accepted for supplemental personnel Anthony Elsasser, middle school track coach assistant, and Domonique Wenger, middle school girls basketball coach.
• Four personnel will be employed for detention, Saturday school and study tables: Anthony Courtney, Kara Maurer, Tammy James and Holly Bair.
• Ryan Taylor was accepted as the new middle school girls basketball coach.
• The board approved early graduation (Jan. 19, 2024) for Kylie Stanley and Seth Orris. Both will receive their diploma in May 2024.
• Revised substitute rates for FY22-FY24, in compliance with 2024 State of Ohio minimum rage rate, were approved, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
• The following donations were accepted: $7,498.55 – outside internet services during 2023 from Byhalia.net; $4,750 – Ohio FFA Foundation for the purpose of hosting the Spring Agricultural Fair; $335 – Zanesfield Methodist Church to the middle school guidance department for Christmas gifts to students in need; $40 – David and Peggy Harris to the middle school guidance department for Christmas gifts to students in need; $2,500 – Mary Rutan Foundation for middle school social emotional health; $7,000 – Champaign/Logan County Mental Health board for middle school mental health
• Jordy Buck was approved as a volunteer wrestling coach.
The Benjamin Logan Board of Education conducts its first meeting of 2024 at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8.