PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED … Bryan High School students (left to right) Noah Mills, Henry Burton, and Emma Schlade were recognized by the board for earning District I honors and selection to the All-State Choir and Orchestra at the February 9 meeting.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan City Schools Board of Education convened its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Mose Isaac Field House Conference Room.
The session, which was open to the public for district business, began with the traditional call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call of board members Ben Camarillo, Debra Opdycke, Dustin Schlachter, Caleb Turnbull, and Lynn Wieland. Superintendent Mark Rairigh was also present.
Also in attendance were High School Principal Steven Alspaugh, Elementary Principal Mrs. Kasey Thormeier, Director of Teaching and Learning Karyn Cox, music teacher Nicholas Simul, and members of the community.
Wieland moved to approve and sign the minutes from the January 12, 2026, organizational and regular meeting, as well as the January 16, 2026, special board meeting. Turnbull seconded the motion.
Student achievement was highlighted during the communications portion of the meeting. Several students were recognized for their selection to the All-State Choir and Orchestra, earning District I honors—an accomplishment described as significant given the competitive audition process and the size of participating schools. High school students Emma Schlade, Henry Burton, and Noah Mills were among those honored.
During the treasurer’s report, board members reviewed the district’s monthly financial report and discussed a three-year forecast. The board also considered a resolution to accept budget commission determinations and authorize the necessary tax levies, including property taxes.
Additional financial actions included amended appropriations for fiscal year 2026, a bank depository agreement with Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and service contracts for the upcoming fiscal year.
The board approved several administrative recommendations, including early graduates for 2026 pending final board approval and the district’s 2026–2027 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).
Members also set 2025–2026 high school summer school tuition at $100 per course, with Physical Education among the courses offered.
In academic updates, administrators discussed ongoing initiatives at Bryan Elementary and Bryan Middle/High School, including literacy efforts, mandated dyslexia screenings for elementary students, preparation for spring third-grade testing, and a continued focus on writing instruction. Administrators also noted preschool screenings and other student support measures.
The board reviewed spring athletic supplemental contracts and personnel recommendations, including the hiring of a new food service staff member and the approval of unpaid medical leave for a classified employee.
Additional discussion included facilities projects such as high school expansion efforts and contract agreements related to district services.
The public meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m., after which the board entered executive session to discuss personnel negotiations and the investigation of a complaint against an employee.
Read more: Bryan City Schools Board Of Education Discusses Financial Recommendations
The next Bryan City Board of Education meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Mose Isaac Field House Conference Room.
