The Bellefontaine School Board received a concerning financial update from District Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Joshua Wasson during its recent regular session. Wasson presented the district's Five-Year Plan, highlighting recent legislative actions in Ohio that could lead to significant budget challenges for local schools.
The treasurer indicated that the district is likely to begin deficit spending by the 2027-2028 school year if current state funding mechanisms remain unchanged. This projection stems from the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate overriding Governor DeWine's vetoes, which has resulted in state funding calculations based on outdated 2022 figures.
Key Takeaways
- Bellefontaine Schools anticipate deficit spending by 2027-2028.
- State funding is based on 2022 data, which does not meet current needs.
- Legislature may review school funding before deficits occur.
- Personnel changes approved, including resignations and new appointments.
- Robotics team trips and an Esports Club received board approval.
State Funding Challenges Impact Local Districts
During his presentation, Treasurer Wasson explained that the current state funding model uses data from 2022. These figures do not accurately reflect the Bellefontaine school district's current operational requirements and student needs. The discrepancy creates a significant financial burden that could lead to a deficit in the coming years.
The Ohio legislature's decision to override the Governor's vetoes directly affects how state funds are distributed to school districts. This action has locked in funding levels that are no longer adequate for many districts, including Bellefontaine. The district projects that without adjustments, it will face a budget shortfall starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
"Unless changes are made to the way the State releases funding, the district will likely begin deficit spending in school year 2027-2028," said Joshua Wasson, District Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.
Wasson noted that Bellefontaine is not alone in facing these financial pressures. Many other school districts across Ohio are expected to encounter similar funding challenges due to the state's current allocation method. This widespread issue could prompt further legislative review.
Funding Facts
- Current state funding for schools uses 2022 data.
- This data is considered inadequate for current district needs.
- Deficit spending is projected to begin in school year 2027-2028.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
Before the treasurer's report, the board heard from Bellefontaine Elementary Associate Principal Jordan Reser. Reser discussed the upcoming season for the school's Robotics Teams. Several out-of-state trips are planned for the next school year. The board approved the tentative schedule for these trips, supporting student participation in competitive robotics.
These trips offer students valuable experiences in STEM fields, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The board's approval reflects a commitment to extracurricular activities that enhance academic learning and student development.
Trustees from the Logan County Education Foundation also provided an update to the board. They shared information regarding future scholarship offerings. These scholarships aim to support students in pursuing higher education and vocational training, demonstrating continued community investment in student success.
Background on School Funding
School funding in Ohio is a complex system involving state and local contributions. State funding often accounts for a significant portion of a district's budget, covering operational costs, teacher salaries, and educational programs. Changes in state policy or economic conditions can heavily impact local school districts' financial stability.
Personnel Changes and New Appointments
Superintendent Brad Hall presented several personnel recommendations, which the board approved. These recommendations included resignations, leaves of absence, administrative assignments, and new appointments across various roles within the district.
Professional Personnel Resignations
- Krista Belser (6th Grade Language Arts) effective May 28, 2026
- Eric Hamm (Guidance Counselor) effective May 29, 2026
- William Low (Health/PE) effective May 28, 2026
- Cheryl Poppel (Heath/PE) effective June 1, 2026
Professional Personnel Leaves of Absence
- Jen Brown (Intervention Specialist) effective September 24, 2025
- Mikaela Hoppe (Speech and Language Pathologist) effective October 9, 2025
- Shawn Miller (Industrial Tech) effective October 10, 2025
- Cheryl Poppel (Health/PE) effective October 10, 2025
- Brooke Reinhard (5th Grade) effective November 5, 2025
- Isaiah Reinhard (5th Grade) effective November 5, 2025
- Ellie Russell (Occupational Therapist) effective October 17, 2025
Professional Personnel Administrative Assignments and Appointments
- David Coburn: Interim Principal at Bellefontaine Intermediate
- Sherry Fitzgerald: Title I Reading/Intervention
Professional Personnel Salary Adjustments
Salary adjustments were approved for additional training for:
- Cheryl Daniels
- Morgan Ebbeskotte
- Erin Hoyng
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Coordinators
New MTSS Coordinators were appointed:
- Deena Fenske: Elementary MTSS Coordinator
- Desnee Wolters: Intermediate MTSS Coordinator
- Julie Kurtz: Middle School MTSS Coordinator
- Paula Shaw: High School MTSS Coordinator
New Substitute Personnel and Home Instruction Tutors
The board approved several new substitutes and home instruction tutors:
- Substitutes: Tracy Janco, Alexis Miller, Kendra Kennedy, Meagan Neal, Olivia Starkey, Tierra Tucker
- Home Instruction/Tutors: Amy Evans, Melanie Rapp, Brandyn Leftrict, Deanna Robb, Kara Phillips, Jodi Smoot, Gwen Walters
Service and Support Staff Updates
The board also addressed changes among service and support personnel.
Service and Support Personnel Resignations
- Leland Henry (2nd Shift Custodian) effective September 12, 2025
- Lyric Lawrence (Educational Aide) effective October 8, 2025
- Tammy Schneider (Educational Aide) effective September 19, 2025
Service and Support Personnel Leaves of Absence
- Ashlyn Gonterman (Educational Aide) effective October 7, 2025
- Tawnya Irick (Educational Aide) effective November 10, 2025
Service and Support Personnel Appointments
- Jai Abhyankar (Educational Aide) effective October 6, 2025
- Jolene Clary (Educational Aide) effective September 15, 2025
- Micah Haynes (2nd Shift Custodian) effective October 27, 2025
Service and Support Substitute Appointments
- Chizuru Bello (Custodian) effective October 1, 2025
- Brandy Bowers (Van Driver) effective August 1, 2025
- Sandi Chervenak (Custodian) effective October 8, 2025
- Corinne Crawford (Bus Driver) effective August 11, 2025
- Victoria Hoffman (Van Driver) effective September 15, 2025
- Tracy Janco (Secretary) effective September 26, 2025
- Nina Lane (Van Driver) effective September 15, 2025
- Connie Sanders (Food Service Worker) effective October 1, 2025
- Cheryl Schroeder (Educational Aide/Secretary) effective September 22, 2025
- Stacia Smith (Educational Aide) effective September 30, 2025
- Tierra Tucker (Educational Aide) effective October 8, 2025
Supplemental Contracts and Athletic Workers
The board approved numerous supplemental contract appointments, primarily for athletic coaching positions for the upcoming season. These roles are crucial for supporting student-athletes in various sports.
Supplemental Contract Appointments
Coaches appointed include:
- Nathan Arbogast (MS Girls Track A)
- Meghan Ashcraft (HS Girls Basketball H)
- Krista Belser (MS Yearbook Advisor)
- Katie Buffkin (HS Softball H)
- Sandi Chervenak (MS MUN Advisor)
- Ben Davis (HS Boys/Girls Track H)
- Sean Egler (HS Boys Basketball A)
- Eric Fatzinger (MS Boys Track H)
- Matt Gallaway (MS Boys Track A)
- Steve Henry (MS Girls Track H)
- Drew Jackson (HS Boys Basketball A)
- Garrett Jenkins (MS 8th Grade Basketball H)
- Josh Jones (HS Boys Basketball A)
- Jane Kline (HS Bowling H and A)
- Aaron LaBatt (HS Boys Wrestling H)
- Sharon Lewis (HS Swimming H)
- Johnny Maurice (MS Boys Wrestling H)
- Daulton Mosbarger (HS Baseball H)
- Tammy Overholser (HS Bowling H and A)
- Zoe Price (HS Track A)
- Meredith Richters (HS French Club)
- Jim Robinson (HS Track A)
- Tom Rose (HS Boys Tennis H)
- Debbie Sheehan (HS Swimming A)
- Cody Sigrist (HS Track A)
- Kyle Spence (HS Boys Wrestling A)
- Henry Stolly (HS Boys Basketball H)
- Heather Storm (HS BK Sideline Cheer H and A)
- Zane Tevis (MS Boys H)
- Dawsin Tillman (7th Grade Boys Basketball H)
- Randy Varner (HS Girls Basketball A)
- Stacey Wilson (HS Track A)
- Larry Young (HS Track A)
- Michelle Zedeker (HS Girls Basketball A)
Athletic Workers and Volunteer Coaches
The board also approved:
- Athletic Workers: Stacy Calton, Margaret Hogue
- Volunteer Coaches: Jim Ball (HS Tennis), Douglas Clark (HS/MS Band), Kristen Clark (HS/MS Band), Rick Gildow (HS Softball), Garrett Jenkins (HS Track), Haiden Manns (HS Football), Amanda Millis (HS/MS Band), Jeff Morrison (HS Softball), David Overholser (HS Bowling), Jennifer Patton (HS/MS Band), Ric Prine (HS Softball), Jeremy Ryan (HS Bowling)
Additional Board Approvals
Further actions by the board included the approval of an upcoming trip to Washington D.C., an important educational opportunity for students. They also approved the creation of a new position: Athletic Media Coordinator. This role will likely enhance communication and coverage of the district's sports programs.
Matt Gallaway was appointed as the trustee for the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Representative. This appointment signifies a continued partnership between the school district and local recreational services.
Finally, the board approved the formation of an Esports Club. This new club recognizes the growing popularity of competitive gaming and provides an organized avenue for student engagement in this area. It aligns with modern educational trends that seek to include diverse interests and skills.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The meeting will take place at the Sloan Distance Learning Center, where further updates on district finances and operations are expected.
