Logan school board member resigns

The Logan school board is on the hunt for a new member after Cole Wallin submitted his resignation earlier this month.

Wallin submitted his resignation effective Aug. 5.

“I have recently inherited a great responsibility and another full-time job,” Wallin stated in his letter. “I didn’t foresee myself having these added responsibilities in this four-year term I was elected to serve. At this time, I must prioritize my responsibilities and like all of us family comes first.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve on a board where we put our children and our community first!” He added. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my short stint working in the position. I will forever be indebted to you that serve your time to ensure our children get the best education they possibly can.

“I would like to wish Logan School continued success in the future. Go Longhorns!!”

During the board’s Aug. 12 meeting, superintendent Dennis Roch said it has 45 days to fill the vacancy.

He suggested that interested applicants submit a letter of interest, a resume and fill out a questionnaire by 5 p.m. Aug. 29.

Roch suggested a special meeting on Sept. 3 to go over applicants, then the board would appoint a new board member during its next regular meeting on Sept. 12.

The board accepted that timeframe.

Wallin was unopposed in his election to the board in November 2023.

The board also appointed Laurie Strebeck as its secretary in the wake of Wallin’s resignation.

In other business:

— The board approved a letter of intent to apply for about $55,000 in state Public School Facilities Authority matching funds to help create housing for teachers.

Roch said a so-called “project house” owned by the district near the campus has been gutted to the studs. He anticipates it needs about $150,000 in renovations to be converted into a three-bedroom, 1 3/4-bath home.

Strebeck and board President Toby Willis expressed support for the idea.

Strebeck said the lack of available housing in Logan is “a big issue.”

Willis said if the local housing shortage eases in the coming years, the district simply could put the house up for sale.

— During public comments, two residents expressed concerns about the safety of the football field due to holes and drainage issues.

Later during the meeting, athletic director Billy Burns said the holes occurred in gaps between the newly installed sod. He said the sod contractor was aware of it and hoped to have it fixed soon. Burns said players were practicing on an adjacent field for now.

The football team held a scrimmage with Elida and Roy-Mosquero on Friday.

The two residents also complained about the school’s new logo, claiming that students didn’t like it.

That received pushback from Willis and Strebeck. Willis said a logo refresh was needed because of a lack of a consistent design with the current logo. He also said the new design brings “a unique identity” to the school.

Strebeck said the board discussed logo drafts during several meetings earlier in the year and received little feedback during the process.