After 33 years in education, including 28 as an administrator in the Logan County School System, Assistant Superintendent Ben Kemplin has announced his intention to retire after this school year ends.

Kemplin came to the district as principal of Olmstead Elementary School where his wife Katina is now the principal. He has been in the Central Office for 16 years.

The following is the letter he wrote to Superintendent Dan Costellow confirming his decision to retire.

Ben Kemplin’s Retirement Letter

After much reflection and with a grateful heart, I am writing to formally submit my resignation/retirement from Logan County Schools, effective July 31, 2026.

It is difficult to put into words what Logan County Schools has meant to me over the past 28 years. Education has been my life's work for 33 years, and I can honestly say that the most enjoyable and meaningful years of my career were spent serving as Principal of Olmstead School for 16 years. Those years shaped me as a leader and as a person, and I will always cherish the relationships, memories, and moments I was blessed to experience there.

I will forever be grateful to Marshall Kemp and the SBDM Council of Olmstead School for placing their faith in a young 29-year-old man back in 1999. Their confidence gave me an opportunity that would shape the rest of my professional life. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the staff, students, and families of Olmstead School. It was truly an honor and privilege to serve them each day.

My time in the Central Office, including 11 years as Human Resource Director and Assistant Superintendent, has also been a tremendous part of my journey. I have been fortunate to work under four very different Superintendents, each bringing their own strengths and leadership styles. I am thankful for the trust each placed in me and for the opportunity to help lead and support our district through many seasons of growth and change.

As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude. I will always treasure my years of service to the students of Logan County and carry with me countless fond memories. Along the way, I have gained not only colleagues, but lifelong friends-people I will always consider family.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Logan County community. It has been my home, my purpose, and one of the greatest honors of my life.