Benjamin Logan Board of Education Approves Five-Year Financial Forecast

​District Projected to End FY25 in the Black for First Time in Over a Decade

The Benjamin Logan Board of Education approved its latest Five-Year Forecast during the regular meeting held Monday evening. Treasurer/CFO Leah Baker presented the report, outlining the district’s current financial position and projections through Fiscal Year 2029.

• The forecast highlighted several key trends and challenges the district is working to address:
• 20-Mill Floor Limitations: The district operates on the 20-mill floor, which makes long-term financial planning difficult due to unpredictable changes in property value appreciation.
• Uncertain State Funding: The Fair School Funding Plan currently provides support, but funding beyond FY25 remains unconfirmed. The district remains on a guarantee through the plan, but long-term stability is not guaranteed.
• Deficit Spending on the Horizon: While Benjamin Logan maintains a positive cash balance for now, deficit spending is anticipated to begin in FY28.
• Potential Statewide Property Tax Reforms: Changes to property tax laws expected later this year could further impact future district revenues.
• Future Budget Considerations: Should state funding decrease, the district may face the need for budget cuts or new local levies to continue instructional programs at current levels.
• Windmill Revenue: The district has begun receiving payments related to wind energy projects, which will be closely monitored as part of ongoing financial planning.
• Enrollment Declines: A decrease in student enrollment continues to add financial pressure, affecting both state funding formulas and resource allocation.
• Public Education Funding Concerns: The state's proposed $487 million investment in vouchers and private school funding raises long-term questions about support for public education.

Despite these challenges, the district is projected to finish Fiscal Year 2025 with revenues exceeding expenditures—marking the first time in over ten years Benjamin Logan will end a fiscal year in the black.

Superintendent John Scheu reflected on the significance of this achievement, stating, “This was one of the school district’s goals for 2024–2025, and living within our means continues to be an important goal. It is significant that we are projected to end FY25 in the black after more than a decade.”

The Board of Education expressed its appreciation to Treasurer Leah Baker for her leadership and dedication to sound fiscal stewardship.

The Benjamin Logan Local School District remains committed to responsible budgeting, transparent reporting, and the continued success of its students and staff.