Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education recognized staff member Heather Storm as the Classified Employee of the Year at their Monday evening meeting, April 27, and approved a comprehensive fiscal plan designed to address a projected future budget deficit.  

Earlier this spring, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) notified the district that its five-year financial forecast showed a potential deficit beginning in fiscal year 2028, estimated at approximately $1.4 million.  

The district’s forecast also shows the deficit increases further in fiscal year 2029, highlighting the importance of taking action now. 

Being placed in Fiscal Precautionary Status does not indicate immediate financial trouble. It serves as an early warning system to ensure districts take proactive steps, district officials noted. 

Key components of the district’s plan include: 

• Staffing adjustments primarily through attrition, retirements and resignations (not layoffs); 

• Strategic reductions in non-essential spending and capital purchases; 

• Use of one-time federal funds in fiscal year 2026 to offset current costs; and  

• Ongoing expenditure reductions generating savings through fiscal year 2029. 

Projected savings include approximately $499,000 this year, $907,000 in fiscal year 2027, $1.18 million in fiscal year 2028, and $1.07 million in fiscal year 2029. 

Because the projected deficit grows beyond 2028 and is larger in 2029, the district anticipates additional planning will continue following August’s five-year forecast update.  

The board has also begun discussions regarding potential additional revenue options, including local sources. 

District leadership emphasized that the plan prioritizes maintaining quality educational opportunities while ensuring responsible financial stewardship. 

The board will continue to monitor financial conditions monthly and make adjustments as needed. 

Related to the Classified Employee of the Year honors, Bellefontaine Elementary School Principal Jenny Salyer spoke about Heather Storm’s service, noting that she’s gone “above and beyond” since she started working for the district. She was nominated by her peers for the annual award.

“She began as a paraprofessional in the multi-handicapped unit at Bellefontaine Elementary, where she consistently did far more than assist. Heather was a true partner in the classroom - helping create lessons, meeting the unique needs of students, and doing whatever it took to support learning. 

"As her journey continued at Bellefontaine High School as a librarian, Heather never stopped serving others. She willingly stepped in to help across the district, subbing in multi-handicapped units and supporting staff in understanding and meeting student needs. 

Now this school year, the award recipient began working in a new role, Salyer said.  

"This year, Heather accepted the challenge of serving as the long-term lead teacher in the multi-handicapped unit. She embraced that role with dedication, compassion, and excellence. Anyone who walks into her classroom can immediately see that students come first. Her students respect her, trust her and have made tremendous growth under her care. 

"Heather is the definition of a team player. She leads by example, steps up whenever needed, and never hesitates to help wherever she is called. She represents the very best of what Bellefontaine City Schools stand for - service, leadership and putting students first." 

Also at the meeting, the board recognized the Bellefontaine varsity girls bowling team for another spectacular season. 

Longtime head coach Jane Kline shared season highlights and introduced each bowler. 

The Lady Chiefs won the CBC and sectional tournament, then finished runner-up in the district tournament. 

The team placed fourth at the Division I state tournament, which was the best finish in program history. 

Senior Gracie Hood was the state individual champion. Team members include Hood, Chloe Heminger, Rylee Anderson, Addison Prosser, Kodi Palmer, and Isabelle Gunnett. 

BHS has advanced to the state tournament the last four years. 

In other presentations, Logan County Chamber of Commerce President Ben Vollrath and Bellefontaine Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds gave a detailed explanation of the recent growth in Bellefontaine. 

Vollrath and Dodds discussed how tax abatements made it more appealing for developers to build homes in the city. 

Those abatements were pivotal in Maris Park (Township Road 179) and Ludlow Ridge (near Bellefontaine Middle School). 

Vollrath and Dodds shared data on how the developed land will lead to significantly higher property taxes once the abatements end. 

They also said the growth will lead to challenges like infrastructure and staffing levels for police and fire. 

Following their presentation, the board approved monthly financial reports. 

In personnel matters, several administrative contracts were approved. 

Superintendent Brad Hall received a two-year contract, effective Aug. 1, 2027, through July 31, 2029. 

Shanel Henry received a one-year contract to continue as the executive director of instructional services, effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. 

The board also approved a one-year contract for Ms. Henry to serve as the emotional disturbance unit administrator/principal, effective Aug. 1, 2027 through July 31, 2028. 

Treasurer Josh Wasson received a five-year contract, effective Aug. 1, 2027 through July 31, 2032. 

Board President Colin Yoder reflected on the administrative contracts for Hall and Henry. 

"As part of these contracts, Superintendent Hall agreed to a salary reduction as discussed during his retire/rehire process, which will save the district tens of thousands of dollars in the coming years. 

"Similarly, Ms. Henry is also taking a reduced salary as part of the retire/rehire process, which will again provide significant cost savings to the district and enable us to retain experienced and proven district leaders. 

"In addition to her curriculum director duties, Ms. Henry will also lead the development of an in-house emotional disturbance unit that is expected to save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars each year when the unit opens at the start of the 2027-28 school year. 

"The board is grateful to Mr. Hall and Ms. Henry for their willingness to accept salary reductions at a time when funding for public schools in Ohio is being significantly reduced by state legislators. Their commitment reflects a shared dedication to fiscal responsibility and the long-term success of the district." 

In other administrative personnel, Bellefontaine Intermediate School Assistant Principal Erin Gillig received a three-year contract. 

BCS Mental Health Therapist Beth Ramsey received a three-year contract and BCS Behavior Coach Mara Ledley received a two-year contract. 

Martha Earick was issued a two-year contract as the food service supervisor and superintendent's secretary. 

Communications Coordinator Krista Adelsberger received a one-year contract (60 percent salary). 

In other action, the board: 

The next board meeting is 4 p.m. May 11 in the Distance Learning Center.