PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE … Superintendent Mark Rairigh (left) offered positive construction news following the presentation of a concerning financial forecast from CFO Kevin Schafer (right)
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Called to order at 6:00 p.m., the Bryan Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 13. After the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken with present members as follows: Ben Camarillo, Debra Opdycke, Dustin Schlachter, and Caleb Turnbull. Lynn Wieland was absent.
Also attending, as is customary, were Superintendent Mark Rairigh and CFO/Treasurer Kevin Schaffer. Audience members included High School Principal Steven Alspaugh, Elementary Principal Kasey Thormeier, Director of Teaching and Learning Karen Cox, and Grant Redhead, former football coach.
The board quickly started working through the business agenda, asking for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from September 15.
Opdycke stated there were no revisions or corrections. Schlachter made the motion to approve, with Camarillo seconding. The motion was quickly passed by all present members.
Turnbull informed the board that there was no scheduled public participation and moved into the Archery Club Proposal, presented by former football coach Grant Redhead.
He began outlining the archery club and its benefits to the school, providing the board with a copy of the proposal and a basic fact sheet.
He recently attended a meeting of the Black Swamp Archery league and was able to also provide the board with a list of local schools that also participate in the sport.
Redhead described it as a very inclusive sport, explaining that some students may not be the most athletically talented but would still very much like to be involved in a sport, a void which archery could fill.
It requires a different set of skills than more physical sports. He also explained that, as a club sport, football and band students could participate in addition to their other commitments.
Redhead addressed some safety concerns up front, stating he had some himself. He explained that with the procedures set out by NASP, the National Archery in Schools Program, there was a very low risk for accidents. He stated they have a good schedule and curriculum, which would be followed.
He attended the training at Nocking Point Outfitters and spoke with the owner, who assured him that Nocking Point could be used as a shooting range for the club.
Redhead anticipates approximately 70 to 100 students to participate, with several students expressing interest to him personally. If implemented as a unit, a grant could be applied for to provide funds in order for the school to get equipment.
Redhead plans to use this equipment to allow interested students to try archery out and see if they would be interested.
Redhead also would coordinate with Nocking Point to help get students set up, noting that most students end up purchasing their own bows.
When Opdycke asked, Redhead explained that facilities within the field house could be used. He assured that there are protective screens and safety precautions put into place to use a room in the field house. Initially, parents may need to transport to Nocking Point until the room can be set up.
He also explained that he had taken the free training course at Nocking Point and would be able and willing to add Archery as a unit within the curriculum.
This would assist with obtaining the grant funds in order to purchase equipment. With his experience as a football coach, Redhead was happy to step in as a leader for the Archery Club.
Redhead also emphasized that archery often becomes a lifelong sport for many. Several members, including Schlachter, commented on the successful archery program in the Fairview school district, noting their continued competition at state and national levels.
Turnbull also reinforced Redhead’s earlier claim to inclusivity, stating he had a personal friend whose autistic student participates and highly enjoys archery.
The archery club would not officially be instituted until next school year, aiming for three nights per week from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
At the start of the club, only high school students would be participating, but in the future, students from fifth grade on could participate if the club expands.
Opdycke expressed gratitude for Redhead compiling all the information. She also stated what a good opportunity this would provide students to connect and participate in a team sport. The rest of the board also thanked Redhead for provisioning the information and stepping in to help head up the Archery Club.
Rairigh informed the board that this had been an on-again, off-again topic for several years and that he was happy to see it would be voted on later in the meeting.
Schlachter asked when the official start date would be, with Redhead clarifying it would kick off next school year. This year would focus on meet-and-greets, basic instruction, and allowing students to try shooting to gauge their interest.
He is working with Nocking Point and, through the grant, to be able to provide equipment to try. He also stated that if offered through the school, physical education teachers could take the training for free through NASP.
Continuing into reports, Rairigh updated the board that there would be no athletics report for this meeting. Mr. Nathan Keel, the athletic director, was hosting the junior high volleyball championship in the high school gym. He assured the report would be provided to the board as soon as possible.
Currently, soccer play was ongoing in Wauseon for the league championship, which Schaffer and Rairigh tried to keep the board updated on as the meeting progressed.
Moving along in the reports agenda, Elementary Principal Kasey Thormeier provided a detailed report to the board of recent and upcoming elementary activities.
First was the PTO fundraiser reward day, called the “Day of Awesomeness,” coming up on Wednesday, October 15. All students get to participate, and each grade will spend approximately an hour and a half to two hours.
Also being unveiled on Wednesday would be the new book vending machines, funded by the Kiwanis club. Members of the Kiwanis will be present at the assembly for the unveiling.
Bryan Local Schools will once again be hosting the Williams County elementary quiz bowl tournament for fifth and sixth grade on October 21.
That same day, there will be the, as Thormeier described it, “infamous” first-grade barn dance. Third-grade fall ELA testing will occur on October 21 and 23. Health Partners of Western Ohio Vision Outreach will be visiting from October 13 to October 31, doing vision screenings.
Final update is parent-teacher conferences being held at the end of the month, on October 28 and 30, with PTO providing dinner, which the staff is extremely thankful for.
In conjunction with parent-teacher conferences, will be the Scholastic book fair running from October 31 to November 6.
Following with the High school and Middle school report was Principal Steven Alspaugh. Alspaugh began with a thank you to everyone who helped make the recent Homecoming week a success. He stated it is very much appreciated.
Two concerts recently took place: the alternative strings concert on Saturday and the choir concert on Sunday. Upcoming on Sunday, October 19, is both the middle school and high school orchestra concert in the school auditorium.
The middle school band concert will be held on October 20 in the Arts and Education auditorium. The high school marching band concert will be on October 26 in the high school gym. Alspaugh exclaimed, “We’re knee deep in fall concert season.”
Upcoming dates also include the Middle School dance taking place on October 22. The sixth through eighth grade ‘Reach for the Gold’ assembly will be held on October 24. At the same time, weather permitting, high school students will venture to the stadium to learn about the various clubs and activities they can get involved with.
Alspaugh explained that through the Bryan Area Foundation interviews, one point commonly brought up with graduating seniors when asked about advice to give incoming freshmen was to get involved. Several colleges are coming in to speak with seniors, and grades will be going out this week, available digitally.
October 23 will be the senior day of service, where seniors volunteer for various service activities, one being assistance in cleaning out the Arts and Education building. Parent-Teacher conferences will be on October 23 and 28 from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Schlachter was happy that seniors were dedicating time to the Arts and Education clean out, noting it seemed like an impossible task. Rairigh stated they have to give props to Ben Lupo because he has done a tremendous job.
Before closing out the report, both Schlachter and Rairigh commended the success of the Golden Bear Sports Network van. They also pointed out the recent media coverage on WTOL news and what a great service it provides to families who cannot attend events.
Mrs. Karen Cox, Director of Teaching and Learning, provided a report containing updates for the Navigator and School Joy programs. The Navigator program helps students prepare for post-secondary education and careers through coaching and other resources.
Currently, Bryan is one of ten navigators in the state of Ohio with a middle school program. She has attended two meetings so far for the program.
Cox explained that one lesson learned from high school is the lack of resources to have one-on-one coaching. School Joy is an AI-powered coaching platform that is showing a lot of promise to provide similar one-on-one coaching conversations.
Once more well-versed and familiar with the platform, she will provide a presentation to the board so they can see the impressive features and coaching it can provide.
With any of the career assessments, students can research Ohio and Williams County professions, showing the projected income in those professions.
Cox stated the navigator program is progressing as it should be, utilizing the five-step process of assess, coach, discover, prepare, and place.
An upcoming event, Elevate and Explore, on October 22, will provide junior and senior students from six schools, including Bryan, to connect and learn about career paths in a multitude of areas from healthcare to public safety. Hosted at Bryan, the event is still looking for local businesses to participate, with 34 currently committed.
With the navigation program, Cox emphasized that the high school program is more in-depth than the middle school, which generally just gauges interest with no aptitude tests.
Another key feature, which Cox shared a personal story about, is that the high school program is available for 15- to 24-year-olds.
Meaning, like in the story she shared of a parent who contacted her, a student who has graduated can still take the assessment and receive coaching and other benefits.
Opdycke asked for verification that parents would be and are involved in the program. Cox responded with a yes and verified that for the upcoming event, flyers would be sent out with all the information.
She also relayed that at the start of the program, there was an informational parent meeting. Currently, sophomores will be taking the career assessment in November, and information will be communicated prior to that.
Principal Alspaugh chimed in, providing perspective as both an educator and parent, stating that oftentimes parents are underinformed, especially when it comes to career opportunities.
He provided the example of manufacturing, which could include a wide range of career trajectories, including less commonly thought of options like logistics, inventory, and quality assurance. Trying to help educate parents with the various options out there is a goal of the program as well.
Cox also informed that the teachers giving the test are being educated in how to investigate and read the dashboard to better guide the students after taking the assessment.
Alspaugh also added that informing parents of the assessment helps when the students bring home their results.
Schlachter also shared his feeling that sometimes it can be “an uphill battle for parents.” He provided a few ideas to better collaborate between the navigator program and the upcoming event.
Similar to a job or career fair, he wanted to make sure that the event adds value to the students attending, and it wasn’t more of a trinket take-and-leave type of event.
Cox assured that she is open to all ideas and has had similar concerns in the past. They work in close collaboration with WEDCO, Williams County Economic Development, and try to make the event a very hands-on event. They even had Jon Husted record a video welcome in the past.
The Four County Career Center report was up next, delivered by Camarillo. First, he informed the board of a recent collaboration with the Williams County Rodeo as an event sponsor. There was a student giveaway for four VIP tickets.
Openly admitting he was not well informed on what that entailed, but was happy to report community involvement. A principals’ meeting was held with local administrators.
Camarillo provided updates on the recent student of the month award, donation to the welding lab of equipment from Burning Wire Fabrication in Montpelier, FFA soil judging, and a recent hands-on learning experience at Leaders Farms for the preschool and Early Childhood Education class.
Cedar Point hosted the Business Professionals of America students for Business Day, combining leadership, networking, and career exploration.
On September 19, staff traveled to Sentinel Career Center for a regional professional development day with seven other career centers. Upcoming events include the advisory and wall of fame dinner on October 27 at 6:30 p.m., and parent-teacher conferences on November 10 and 12.
Schaffer then began the treasurer’s report and recommendations. First, Schaffer informed the board that the monthly financial reports were provided as usual. Next was an agenda addendum for the renewal of the YMCA swim agreement.
Normally $6,700 is paid by the school in rent for use of the pool, but the YMCA agreed to waive the fee again this year, as was done in 2024, for the investment the district made in new swim equipment.
Also included in the agreement is a mutual fund with an annual contribution of $2,500 each to go towards equipment and maintenance. Schaffer stated they are very pleased to continue this partnership with the YMCA.
Schaffer presented the fiscal year 2026 amended appropriations. An increase of $190,000 which is largely due to salary increases and new hires. $131,000 for permanent improvement was used for roof repair on the field, most of which was covered by the insurance payment.
Schaffer then moved on to change order #6 for a bond beam for masonry totaling $1,052. Including this change order, the expenses are $600, or a tenth of a percent over the original contract price for the construction project.
Schaffer then went into the bulk of his report, the 2025 four-year forecast, which is the current year plus three. Schaffer explained that prior to the passing of the biennium budget, it was required to have a five-year forecast, being the current year plus four.
Schaffer and the company that works to create the forecast felt there was no need to not continue with a five-year forecast and saw no penalty for providing more than what is required. Also changed is the reporting, which originally was required in May and November, will now be required in August and February.
This year, as a transitional year, the reporting is required in October. The reality is that in August, not a lot can be known, so it will function almost like the May report.
Before jumping in, Schaffer explained that the budget will represent the worst-case scenarios for appropriations. The five-year forecast, including all of the recent changes at the state level, began with the general fund.
Currently, the general fund started with 13.2 million. Revenues are expected to exceed expenditures by 1.3 million. The end-of-year balance in the general fund is projected to be at $14.5 million. That is with a revenue of 28 million and expenditures of 26.8 million.
As explained in the following slide, revenue comprises approximately 46% from taxes, 46% percent from state funding, and 6% from other sources, mainly interest. The interest income is expected to decrease significantly as the account balance and interest rates decrease in future years.
Expenditures consist of 84% being towards personnel for a total of 22.6 million. Projected purchased services are 2.4 million, and all other totals approximately 1.8 million. Advances, transfers, and other uses contain an expected transfer of $600,000 to the food service to cover the community eligibility program and $111,000 to the contingency fund inside the general fund.
When looking into future years, Schaffer agreed it did not look good. He reassured the board that this has been seen in the past, and it is only a forecast, and is as the law currently stands.
There are several laws being watched within the general assembly affecting state and local funding. State funding is projected to fall beginning next year. Even though it will be the final phase of the fair school funding program, it will not be enough to cover other factors going forward.
The other factors include the fair school funding still using fiscal year 2022 for calculation on education cost per student, and the increase in home values that have been quite significant recently.
As the property value goes up and the cost per student does not, state funding will begin to drop as more funding is expected to be raised through tax revenue.
Schaffer also explained several transfers for the high school addition and Arts and Education project, which explains the sharp dip from 2025 to 2026. Union negotiation will take place in the spring; forecasted into the budget is a 3 percent assumed increase in salary.
As expenditures increase and revenue decreases, a lowering of cash balances begins to show. Schlachter asked about the recent community discussion about the abolition of the property tax going on the ballot and if this was included in the forecast.
Schaffer answered that there are several bills being monitored at the state level, but none of these have been included in the forecast at this point.
Schaffer could not comment on what would happen if property taxes were to be abolished. Both Schaffer and Schlachter agreed it would be detrimental not only to the school but also emergency services.
Continuing, Schaffer noted the annual change in revenue has historically, over the past three years, seen an increase of 7.25% because of phasing into the fair school funding plan, resulting in significant increases in state funding. Expenses changes have historically been just under 10% with a 2% projection moving forward.
Days cash on hand is one of the largest methods of evaluating the financial health of the district. The goal is to remain around 180 days of cash on hand. Schaffer admitted that this is the highly controversial percentage cash carryover.
The district has always shot for 50% or better. A large chunk of revenue is deposited twice per year, making the number of days’ cash on hand vital. Schaffer stated the warning point is usually 90 days. Fiscal years 2026 and 2027 are still within a comfortable range but begin to trend downwards.
Schaffer also reminded the board that year five often looks scary, but it is still two budget cycles away. Historically, leadership has tried to make do with what was available and avoid additional tax levies.
With the legislative challenges ahead, Schaffer is not confident that it will continue, but assures the board that the positive is that there is still time to make a plan.
Opdycke thanked the leadership for their efforts, especially for getting the message out to lawmakers in Columbus. Rairigh also added that community members can also reach out to their representatives.
Finishing out with lighter news, Schaffer addressed two donations. First from the Bryan Eagles, totaling $3,00,0 and second from the Charles and Ruth Issac fund, totaling $5,238.98. Both donations are to the student assistance fund.
Opdycke motioned to approve the treasurer’s recommendation, and Schlachter seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Rairigh followed with ongoing business, providing updates on the construction project taking place at the high school. He was able to give several tours to the staff.
The prepping for concrete to be poured on the career tech section has begun. Steel had been delivered, and the project seemed to be slightly ahead of expected progress. It is expected to have a complete roof by mid to late November.
New business was next on the agenda with two items for discussion. First was an upcoming district full-scale safety drill. Rairigh explained that every three years, the district is required to do a full-scale safety drill.
This year, it was determined that the safety drill would be a staged bus crash, which had not been staged before. It will replicate a vehicle running a red light at a bus stop, also involving pedestrians.
Several services like the police, fire, and EMS will be coordinating with the school to rehearse and test safety protocols, communications, and responses. Students will even participate as crash victims, some even being transported to Parkview.
Rairigh stated there is a chance Life Flight will be there, depending on their schedule. Rairigh warned to expect sirens and lots of activity around the school during the safety drill on November 12, around 9:00 a.m.
The second item for new business is the Arts and Education Center open house. With the demolition scheduled for the first of 2026, an open house allows people to walk back through the building one last time.
There will be basketball games, three-point competitions, and half shot competitions in the central building gymnasium. On the auditorium stage, there will be performances from Art of Dance Studio and the Bryan High School Choir. The Arts Connects US committee will have renovation updates and an overview.
Rairigh followed with the Superintendent’s recommendations. First up was early graduate Gavin Schaffer, whom the board congratulated on his hard work.
The next recommendation was a vote on the archery club, as explained earlier in the meeting. Camarillo put the motion to approve both recommendations on the floor, and Opdycke seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The following were the personnel recommendations, beginning with two upcoming retirees at the end of the school year: Teresa Partee, fourth-grade teacher, and Krista Hall, elementary Physical education.
Classified staff Nancy Michael’s hours will increase from 5.5 to 5.75 hours, effective on September 22. A new student hire for the Golden Bear Sports Network, Christina Craig, followed.
The final two personnel recommendations were for William Bany Jr. as assistant band director and for the winter supplemental contracts and volunteers, which included one addition — a bowling volunteer.
Rairigh explained that the assistant band director position has been open for an estimated 15 or more years. All recommendations were approved, with Opdycke making the motion and Camarillo seconding.
The first reading of policy updates was next, which was provided to the board for review. Rairigh did point out the upcoming cell phone policy, enacted by the state, starting in January 2026.
This policy would prohibit students from having cell phones out during the entirety of the school day, including in the hallways and during lunch.
Rairigh concluded with two final points of information. First was the next Board of Education meeting on November 10 at 6:00 p.m., held in the Field House Conference Room. Second was the Capital Conference in Columbus, November 16 through 18.
Shaffer then informed the board that they would need to enter into executive session to discuss employee discipline and compensation. Schlachter motioned to enter into executive session, with Opdycke seconding.
All members approved, adjourning the meeting to executive session at 7:11 p.m. with no action expected afterwards.