Chieftain Connection

It has been wonderful to see our students and staff back in our schools and another year underway at Bellefontaine City Schools. There is always a special energy that comes with the beginning of a new school year, and I am grateful to our staff, families and community for all they do to support our students.

As we look forward to the opportunities ahead this year, we must also be mindful of the challenges facing our district. One of those is our financial outlook. As superintendent, I believe part of my responsibility is to be open and transparent with our community about those challenges and what they could mean for the future of BCS.

On November 3, voters in the Bellefontaine City School District will consider a proposed 1% earned income tax for the district. I encourage our families and community members to take time to learn about the proposal, why the district is seeking additional revenue, and what our financial forecasts show for the years ahead. We have resources available on our website to help answer questions and provide factual information.

At the same time, our focus remains where it has always been—on providing our students with the best educational experience possible. I’m excited about what this school year holds and look forward to sharing the many accomplishments, opportunities and stories happening throughout BCS in the months ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being an important part of our Chieftain community.

Mr. Brad Hall
Superintendent

At its September meeting, the Bellefontaine Board of Education approved a resolution to join the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding. The coalition is supporting a legal challenge to Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program, which uses state funds to provide scholarships for students attending participating private schools.

Bellefontaine City Schools is the first district in Logan County to join the coalition, which includes more than 330 public school districts from across Ohio.

Superintendent Brad Hall explained that the percentage of the BCS budget funded by the state has continued to decline. In 2022, approximately 62% of the district’s funding came from the state. That share is expected to decrease to 49% in 2027 and 36% by 2031.

According to Hall, Ohio has directed approximately $2.75 billion in state funding to the EdChoice voucher program. BCS joined the coalition to support its efforts to address the constitutionality of the program and its financial effect on Ohio’s public schools.

As the district faces changes in state funding and property-tax laws while operating costs continue to rise, BCS will continue sharing information with families and the community about the factors affecting the district’s finances.

Learn more about the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding.

Bellefontaine City Schools will have a 1% earned income tax levy on the November 3 ballot. If approved, the tax would take effect January 1, 2027, and would be collected on qualifying earned income.

We encourage our families and community members to learn more about the proposal and school district finances before Election Day.

Learn More: Visit the BCS website for answers to frequently asked questions about the proposed levy, including how the tax would work, who would pay it, and information about the district’s financial outlook.

Levy FAQs: BCS Levy FAQs

For information and updates from the community levy campaign, visit the BCS Levy Facebook page.

Community Campaign: BCS Levy Facebook Page

Have questions about excused absences, chronic absenteeism or truancy? This FAQ from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce explains Ohio’s attendance laws and what they mean for students and families. Learn more about Ohio’s attendance laws.

Bellefontaine Elementary School was excited to welcome our youngest Chieftains—the Class of 2040! Our preschool students have been busy learning classroom routines, making new friends and exploring their learning spaces. We are happy to report that the first weeks of preschool have been filled with many smiles as students become more comfortable with their teachers and classmates.

Our kindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals were also excited to welcome students back to school. Kindergarten students are already working with the CKLA and Bridges curricula while learning the routines that will help them have a successful year.

One of the highlights of September has been celebrating Color Days with themed picture books, crafts and snacks. These fun activities help students build vocabulary, strengthen fine motor skills and practice classroom routines while learning about a different color each day.

We would also like to thank Joe and Terry for their hard work preparing and maintaining our building. BES looks amazing, and we are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing together!

Bellefontaine Intermediate School has had a great start to the school year! Students and staff handled the unusually hot first days and early dismissals with patience, flexibility and positive attitudes.

BIS also welcomed several new staff members with a special ribbon-cutting celebration in their classrooms. It was a fun way to recognize the beginning of their BIS journey and officially welcome them to our school community.

Families helped us begin the year on another positive note by attending Open House. It was wonderful to see so many parents and family members in the building, meeting teachers and learning more about the year ahead.

A new activity also began this year with Fiction Friday. Each week, Principal Sara Core takes time to share a book with students. Fiction Friday provides another opportunity to connect with students, build relationships and strengthen the sense of community throughout BIS.

Students recently began diagnostic testing, which will provide teachers with valuable information about their academic strengths and needs. The results will help guide classroom instruction and intervention planning throughout the year.

BIS also held its first PTO meeting of the year and looks forward to partnering with families to support students and create another successful school year.

We are grateful for the hard work and support of our students, staff and families. It has been a very positive start at BIS!

Bellefontaine Middle School students are beginning the year with a strong focus on academic growth, positive behavior, new opportunities and school spirit.

Students recently completed their first i-Ready reading diagnostic. The results will help teachers identify students’ individual academic strengths, needs, and allow us to create targeted reading groups during Chieftain Time. The diagnostic test also provides each student with a personalized learning path to work on four times each week.

BMS has expanded its dedicated Reading Time this year by making end-of-the-day Chieftain Time part of its reading instruction. During this time, staff members throughout the building are available to provide targeted instruction and additional support in specific reading skills.

Current instructional groups are based on last year’s i-Ready results. At the beginning of October, students will be placed into new groups using their most recent diagnostic data. This flexible approach allows teachers to meet students where they are and provide the instruction they need to continue growing.

Behavior Leadership has also returned for the new school year. Students who are new to BMS are learning hallway and classroom procedures, along with the expectations that help create a safe and positive middle school environment.

BMS is continuing Chieftain Fridays and has introduced High Five Fridays. On these special mornings, staff members line the hallway wearing oversized hands and welcome students into the building with high fives. It is a fun and energetic way to begin the day while strengthening relationships between students and staff.

BMS students are showing tremendous support for their classmates at volleyball and football games. With free admission to home athletic events, students have been filling the stands and participating in Chieftain Spirit section with different themes.

Students also have more ways to get involved outside the classroom as clubs continue to grow at BMS. New opportunities this year include Chess Club and Drama Club, giving students additional ways to explore their interests, develop new skills and connect with classmates.

From academic growth to student activities, BMS is off to an exciting start!

BHS Is Ready to “Level Up”

Bellefontaine High School is off to a great start to the 2026–2027 school year! The school’s “Level Up” theme is already visible throughout the building as students and staff focus on strengthening the high school experience, increasing collaboration and supporting student growth and achievement.

Students have brought tremendous energy back into the building, and staff members have worked hard to create a positive and welcoming start to the year.

BHS staff members spent time “Leveling Up” their own learning during August professional development. The BHS Math Department participated in training focused on strategies to strengthen math retention and help students build a lasting understanding of important concepts. The Special Education Department also received i-Ready training to support the use of diagnostic data and targeted interventions in math and reading.

These professional-learning opportunities will help teachers identify student strengths and needs so staff can provide meaningful academic support throughout the school year.

BHS continues to celebrate its academic achievements. The school earned five stars for its 99.5% graduation rate and five stars in Gap Closing. Students also improved proficiency on all five Ohio State Tests, with BHS outperforming the state average on four of the five assessments.

These accomplishments reflect the hard work of BHS students and staff and provide a strong foundation for continued growth.

School spirit is in full swing as fall athletics and activities continue, and the Pride of the Tribe brings tremendous energy to BHS and the Bellefontaine community.

The 40th Annual Bellefontaine High School Band Spectacular, originally scheduled for September 12, was postponed due to weather. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 31, at 11 a.m. High school bands from across the area will come together at BHS to celebrate music, school pride and community.

BHS also hosted the Bellefontaine Quiz Bowl Invitational on September 24, welcoming talented academic teams from around Ohio for an evening of competition.

It has been an exciting start to the year, and BHS looks forward to continuing to Level Up while growing Stronger Together. Go Chiefs!

Bellefontaine High School recently named its Seniors of the Month.

Name: Grace Brown

Parents: Brad and Kim Brown

Address: Bellefontaine

Future plans: Attend college, study pre-law or pre-med, and run track and cross country.

School activities and awards: I'm involved in National Honor Society, Chieftain Leaders, and Spanish Club. I'm a three-sport varsity athlete in cross country, basketball, and track and field. I have the 5k school record, 3200 meter school record, and the 1600 meter school record. Additionally, I have a multitude of first and second-team all-league honors, I have 7 district titles, placed at regionals 6 times, and podiumed at state twice.

If I were principal for a day: I would let kids have their phones.

Favorite school memory: Winning track meets my underclassmen years with Ava Reeves, Kylie Adams, Kelsey Snapp, and Callie Shumaker.

People who have been an inspiration to me: My mom who teaches kids all day and then comes home to 3 more. With all that's on her plate, she never fails to do the little things for me like filling up my water bottle every day for school. My mom's balanced lifestyle shows me that I can do anything I want to.

Lately I’ve been reading: Pretend She's Here by Luanne Rice.

My advice to parents: Have patience. Your kids, who go through an entire school day, may be an athlete, have a job, or just might have a lot going on. You owe your children, and people in general, nothing but kindness and patience.

My biggest regret: I don’t have any regrets.

Where I see myself in 5 years: I will be using my 5th year of eligibility at whatever college I choose to compete in track and field and cross country while furthering my education on the pre-law or pre-med track.

Name: Spencer Stolly

Parents: Josh and Whitney Stolly

Address: Bellefontaine

Future plans: Attend college and study business or finance.

School activities and awards: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Honda Awards Breakfast, and Spring Academic Awards.

If I were principal for a day: I would serve steak and potatoes for lunch.

Favorite school memory: Cheering at the in-school volleyball game at Indian Lake.

People who have been an inspiration to me: My mom and dad.

Lately I’ve been reading: Fantasy football articles.

My advice to parents: Force your children to be involved even if they don’t want to.

My biggest regret: Not joining more clubs as an underclassman.

Where I see myself in 5 years: I see myself finishing college getting ready to graduate from Miami (OH).

Bellefontaine’s boys and girls golf teams recorded strong finishes at their respective CBC Tournaments, with several Chieftain golfers earning individual conference recognition.

Boys Golf Finishes Fourth

The Bellefontaine boys golf team finished fourth at the CBC Tournament with a team score of 357.

Freshman Hudson Banta led the Chieftains with a team-low score of 82, placing seventh overall. Banta and freshman Ean Fultz were named Second Team All-CBC in recognition of their outstanding play throughout the season. Freshman Keaton Dinovo was also honored with the CBC Sportsmanship Award.

The Chieftains’ tournament scores included:

• Hudson Banta: 82
• Keaton Dinovo: 90
• Ean Fultz: 91
• Colson Garver: 94
• Noah Smith: 95
• Sammy Strayer: 97

Lady Chieftains Place Third

The Bellefontaine girls golf team earned a third-place finish at the CBC Tournament with a team score of 412.

Olivia Dearwester led the Lady Chieftains with a score of 95 and was named Second Team All-CBC for her outstanding season. Paxton Stewart and Lola Kuba each recorded a 105, followed closely by Ella Fultz with a 107.

Stewart and Fultz received Honorable Mention All-CBC recognition for their performances throughout the season. Fultz also received the CBC Sportsmanship Award for her positive attitude and outstanding representation of the team.

The Lady Chieftains’ tournament scores included:

• Olivia Dearwester: 95
• Paxton Stewart: 105
• Lola Kuba: 105
• Ella Fultz: 107
• Eden Smith: 112
• Allison Myers: 115

Congratulations to both Chieftain golf teams and their coaches on strong tournament performances and well-deserved conference honors!

Fifth Quarter offers Logan County students in grades 7–12 a free, safe and fun place to spend Friday nights during football season. Held at the Hilliker YMCA from 8 p.m.–midnight, students can enjoy food, open gym, sand volleyball, games, a bonfire and time with friends.

Admission is FREE. A parent permission form is required.

Supporting children, families and neighborhoods. Logan County’s Neighborhood Outreach Centers provide family-centered programs and activities designed to help keep children safe, strengthen families and build strong communities. Services and activities have included homework help, mentoring, nutrition programs, family activities, summer programs and more. Centers serve the Bellefontaine, Chippewa/Lakeview and Russells Point areas.

Logan County Children Services’ Adopt-a-Family program matches families who could use some extra support this holiday season with individuals and groups who would like to help. Volunteers receive information about the children they are matched with, including ages, clothing sizes and wish-list items.

Interested in adopting a family? Click below to learn more and sign up.

Need help finding local resources? Logan County 211 connects individuals and families with information about food, housing, utilities, health care and hundreds of other community services. Help is available 24/7.

Looking for local resources for your family? Explore local organizations and services offering support with food, housing, health and wellness, transportation, childcare, family needs and more.

Stay up to date on school days, breaks, events and other important dates throughout the year.https://www.bcs-k12.org/calendar

Keep important school dates at your fingertips! View key dates for the 2026–27 school year, including breaks, no-school days, grading periods and special events.

View Important Dates

Not sure who to contact with a question or concern? Our BCS Who to Contact guide can help point you in the right direction, with contacts for common questions about academics, attendance, transportation, technology, student services and more.

View the BCS Who to Contact Guide

View building menus

Find important information about school expectations, procedures, attendance, student conduct and other building guidelines.

View Handbooks here

Learn how BCS communicates delays, closings and other important notifications to families. View BCS notification information.

The Bellefontaine Board of Education heard updates on district finances, the upcoming earned income tax levy, a special veterans memorial and several other district matters during its September meeting.

Earned Income Tax Levy

Levy co-chairs Brenda Sanford and Keyne Strickland spoke to the board about the district’s 1% earned income tax levy, which will appear on the November 3 ballot. If approved, collections would begin January 1, 2027, and continue for an ongoing period.

Sanford noted that BCS has reduced spending by $3.5 million since 2019. The voter registration deadline is October 5, and early voting begins October 6.

School-Funding Coalition

The board approved a resolution for BCS to join the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding. BCS is the first Logan County school district to join the statewide coalition, which is supporting a legal challenge to Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program.

Additional information about this decision is included in the Need to Know section of this newsletter.

Remembering Our Fallen Memorial

Logan County Veterans Services Director Shelley Kneece shared details about the Remembering Our Fallen National Memorial, which will be displayed in the BHS auxiliary gym October 8–10.

The traveling photographic memorial honors American military members who died while serving in the War on Terror. It includes 35 Tribute Towers featuring military and personal photographs.

The exhibit will be open:

• October 8: Noon–7 p.m.
• October 9–10: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Additional Board Action

The board also approved monthly financial reports, personnel items, supplemental contracts, committee and leadership-team appointments, substitute and volunteer positions, and the district’s 2026–2027 non-resident tuition rate.

BHS seniors Grace Brown and Spencer Stolly were recognized as the September Seniors of the Month. Learn more about them in the BCS Spotlight section of this newsletter.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held October 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at BHS.

Read the complete September Board of Education recap.