PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
COACH OF THE YEAR … Bryan Tennis Coach Mitchell Owens with the Bryan Board of Education members.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan City Schools Board of Education met in regular session on April 13, 2026, at the Mose Isaac Field House Conference Room, with members Ben Camarillo, Debra Opdycke, Dustin Schlachter, Caleb Turnbull, and Lynn Wieland present.
During communications, the Board recognized Mitchell Owens as Girls Tennis State Coach of the Year in the staff spotlight.
Administrative reports were provided from Bryan Elementary, Bryan Middle/High School, the Teaching and Learning Department, and Athletics, along with a Four County report.
Under the Treasurer’s report, the Board reviewed the monthly financial report and approved amended FY26 appropriations. A notable item included approval of new classified substitute pay rates effective August 1, 2026.
Substitute aides, food service, and secretarial substitutes will be paid $18 per hour, while substitute custodians will receive $20 per hour. The substitute bus driver rate was also set at the zero-years experience level.
The Board approved a “then and now” certificate in the amount of $29,751 for Teresa M. Lirot for the 8th grade Chicago trip.
Additional approvals included the Ohio Charter Group for the 2025 BWC policy year, FY26 SF20 funds for St. Patrick’s Auxiliary, authorization to solicit bids for milk and dairy products for the 2026-2027 school year, and miscellaneous change order items.
Donations were accepted from the Academic Booster Club in the amount of $200 for the Jamie Kittle class trip and $300 from the Williams County Dairy Association for the Bethany Lamb classroom.
Ongoing business updates were given regarding progress on the A-E demolition and the middle/high school expansion. In new business, the Board discussed expansion of transportation services.
Several administrative recommendations were approved, including the second reading of the 2027-2028 district calendar, a College Credit Plus MOU with Owens Community College for the 2026-2027 school year, and the OAPSE contract for 2026-2029. The Board also approved early and 22+ graduates for 2026.
Personnel recommendations made up a large portion of the meeting. Retirements included bus driver David Hug and 9-12 Principal Stephen Alspaugh.
Resignations were accepted from Tiffany Heller, Heather Miller-Klinger, Adam Swisher, and Brittany Dray. Swisher was also approved for hire as the district’s 6-12 Director of Special Education effective August 1.
Multiple staff members were approved for transfers, contract renewals ranging from one- to five-year terms, summer school assignments, and extended time contracts for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Board also approved summer student workers for the technology department.
Policy updates received a second reading and approval, including revisions to job-related expenses, entrance requirements, grading, class rank, budget preparation, purchasing and bidding, procurement of federal grants and funds, vendor relations, and use of district credit cards.
A new policy regarding use of a district tax-exempt certificate was also approved. Additionally, Policy 7540.09 addressing Artificial Intelligence was adopted as a replacement policy.
In points of information, upcoming dates were shared, including Staff Appreciation Week May 4-8, Prom on May 9, Senior Scholarship Night on May 11, Academic Booster Club Awards on May 18, and Graduation on May 24.
The next Bryan Board of Education meeting will be May 11, 2026, at 6 p.m.