Benjamin Logan Schools recently hosted Let’s Talk School, where we discussed key topics such as the district’s State Report Card results, school finances, and other important updates. Below is a summary of the questions and answers from the event.

State Report Card Performance

Question: How did Benjamin Logan perform on the 2023-24 State Report Card?
Answer: Benjamin Logan Schools earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on the State Report Card.

Financial Outlook

Question: What is the current financial status of the district?
Answer:

• Despite a tight budget, Benjamin Logan has the potential to end the fiscal year (June 30, 2025) with a positive balance, meaning revenues may outpace expenditures.
• Nearly half of the district’s funding comes from the State of Ohio, so potential funding cuts in the next biennium remain a concern.
• The district’s two main operating funds include:
  • General Fund: Covers staff salaries, benefits, curriculum, and daily operations.
  • Permanent Improvement (PI) Fund: Used for items with a lifespan of at least five years, such as buses, roof repairs, window replacements, and Chromebooks.
• A loan affecting the PI fund will be paid off in 2027. Until then, some General Fund money is being used to cover PI-related expenses.

Visitor Football Stands

Question: What is the status of the visitor football stands?
Answer: While the visitor stands will need long-term attention, maintenance staff continues to make necessary repairs following safety inspections.

Open Enrollment and Budget Impact

Question: How does open enrollment affect the district’s budget?
Answer:

• Open Enrollment (OE) statistics:
  • Students enrolling into Benjamin Logan: 270
  • Students open enrolling out of the district: 190
  • Other students being educated elsewhere: 239 (includes online learning, Autism/John Peterson scholarships, homeschooling, and Calvary Christian).
• Until two years ago, open enrollment was a financial benefit to Benjamin Logan, but changes in state funding formulas have eliminated its financial advantage.

Class Sizes

Question: What are the current class sizes?
Answer:

• Elementary (Grades K-4): Average class size is 20 to 22 students.
• Middle and High School: Class sizes vary based on course offerings.

Graduation Rates

Question: How many students graduate each year?
Answer: The average graduating class size is approximately 130 students, but the total numbers per grade level fluctuate.

School Safety Measures

Question: What safety measures are in place at Benjamin Logan Schools?
Answer: Safety is a top priority, and the district has implemented the following security enhancements:

• Increased security cameras.
• Reinforced protected doors and windows.
• Armed and uniformed School Resource Officers (SROs) in all three buildings.
• Trained armed response teams in all buildings.

School Resource Officers (SROs) serve multiple roles beyond security, acting as counselors, mentors, and role models for students. Their positive relationships with students have been impactful.

School District Verification

Question: How can I verify which school district a residence belongs to?
Answer: You can check the Logan County Auditor’s website for accurate school district information.

Transportation and Busing

Question: Does Benjamin Logan transport Calvary Christian students?
Answer: Yes, the district is required to provide transportation for Calvary Christian students to and from school.

Question: Are aides assigned to every school bus?
Answer: No, aides are only assigned to buses where there is a demonstrated need for additional assistance.

Question: Can open-enrolled students ride the bus?
Answer: Open-enrolled students cannot be picked up at their home, but they can use buses from designated stops within the Benjamin Logan district.

Donations for Student Needs

Question: Has the district received donations to help students?
Answer: Yes! Benjamin Logan has received generous donations from groups and individuals to support student lunches and other essential needs. These contributions are greatly appreciated.

Preschool Program Expansion

Question: What is the current status of preschool at Benjamin Logan?
Answer:

• Benjamin Logan offers a high-quality CORS preschool program and is evaluating the need for expansion.
• The district is working with the Discovery Center to increase classroom space, teachers, and resources for the 2025-26 school year to accommodate more preschool students.

State Report Card and Ohio Hi-Point Students

Question: Does the state report card include students who attend Ohio Hi-Point?
Answer: Yes, the state report card reflects results from students who attend Ohio Hi-Point but reside within the Benjamin Logan district.