(PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FALL ATHLETES … (Front) Cross Country – Kate Thormeier and Braydon Buchanan, Tennis – Caitlyn Dewitt. (Back) Board members Dustin Schlachter, Lynn Wieland, Caleb Turnbull, Debra Opdycke, and Ben Camarillo.
QUIZ BOWL TEAM … (Front) Quiz bowl team members Bennett Schafer, Nolan Manahan, Colton Rogers, Sarah Kendrick. (Back) Board members Dustin Schlachter, Lynn Wieland, Caleb Turnbull, Debra Opdycke, and Ben Camarillo.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan Board of Education meeting started off with a friendly trivia competition. After roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and the approval of the meeting minutes from 10/14 and special meeting 11/10-11/12, Superintendent Mark Rairigh introduced and congratulated the 5th and 6th grade quiz bowl team on their new title as county champions.
Quiz Bowl members in attendance then took on the school board for a quick round of trivia, which they won, further proving their well-deserved title.
Several fall athletes were highlighted as well. First was Kate Thormeier and Braydon Buchanan, both state qualifiers for cross country. Thormeier is a 3-time state qualifier.
Caitlyn DeWitt was honored for her tennis performance not only this year but over her entire career. Advancing to state this year as one of 16 and also receiving medals in both the 2022 and 2024 district tournaments.
DeWitt holds several records and is the only tennis player, male or female, to qualify for both singles and doubles at state in the 50-year program history.
The administrative report emphasized the improved participation in the school breakfast program, up 60%, and an increase in a la carte participation, both due to the continued participation in the CEP program.
Following was the Elementary Principal Kasey Thormeier who highlighted Bear Brews, a project that has spanned multiple classes including steam and art.
Another feature was the veteran’s program, being the 20-year anniversary and coordinating across classes Pre-K -12. Middle School Principal Brian Arnold provided both the High School and Middle School Report.
First, he relayed a message of thanks from High School Principal Steven Alspaugh on a wonderful marching band season and congratulations to everyone who participated in the fall play.
Arnold informed of several upcoming activities such as college and career day, both junior high and high school band marching in the Santa parade, seventh grade all A’s and B’s trip to a Toledo Walleye game, and the Holiday Orchestra concert on December 8th.
The athletics update was provided by Superintendent Rairigh, closing out fall sports with NWOAL recognitions and starting off winter sports with participation numbers for the upcoming season and kick off dates for each sport. Also upcoming in February, the school will be hosting both the boys and girls basketball district tournament.
Ben Camarillo went over multiple updates from Four County Career Center, detailing activities for each class and several guest speakers.
Included were the opening of the Cosmetology studio, carpentry students building office space for Black Swamp Equipment, visual art and design hosting guest speaker Myles Stanley graphic designer for the City of Toledo, interior design students visiting Sauder Woodworking, and two Bryan students being selected for Students of the Month, among many other updates.
CFO Kevin Schafer presented a detailed treasurer’s report and several recommendations. After the monthly report, business moved onto the first resolution on the agenda to establish a capital projects fund which would accumulate over a 10-year period and then be available for use in improvements of the Arts and Education center, with more detailed plans presented later in the meeting. The initial requested transfer to that fund being $2 million.
The second item was the transfer of $1.5 million from the general fund to the permanent improvement fund. Third was the authorization to transfer up to $600,000 as needed from the general fund to the Food Service fund, instead of approving transfers on a monthly basis.
The amended appropriations total requested transfer of $4.1 million, $7450 increase to permanent improvement, $8500 to the student activity fund that had been previously raised by students and now could be used, donations to the softball and tennis team to be allocated, and career awareness grant allocations.
Schafer then went over the 5-year forecast with several accompanying slides indicating projected costs and revenue.
He concluded with a thank you to the Bryan Athletic boost for a donation of $150,000. The motion to approve the treasurer recommendation was introduced by Caleb Turnbull and seconded by Ben Camarillo.
Rairigh went over both continued business and new business. First, he called the board’s attention to the cover story in Ohio Magazine selecting Bryan as one of 5 of Ohio’s best hometowns.
Updates on both the career tech expansion and the auxiliary junior high gymnasium and weight room addition included slides rendering completed projects. Project completion is expected to be done and ready for use in the 26-27 school year.
Turning to new business, Rairigh presented plans for partial demolition and renovation of the central building. The property was determined to be eligible for the Brownfield Remediation grant.
With this grant, 75% of the demolition costs would be covered by the grant. Demolition would only apply to the south side containing classroom and gymnasium space. The demolition would be Phase 1 and take a year.
Phase 2 would include renovations to the remaining auditorium area and two additions including a basement. The newly renovated building would provide a lobby, ADA accessible bathrooms, fellowship area as well as providing the performing arts upgrades to lighting, sound system, dressing rooms, set building room, and much needed storage.
The entire project including demolition and both additions is approximated at $4.2 million. The approved transfer of $2 million was to create a fund for this project with a proposed cost split between BCS and the community.
The Bryan Area Foundation has set up a project fund and has already received a generous $50,000 donation. A vision committee is already forming to assist in sourcing additional revenue.
Several board members agreed that the property is a money pit, and this proposal was a great solution.
Mr. Rairigh provided the superintendent report. First up was a congratulations to early graduate Coral Watkins. Following were three overnight trips, one in the upcoming week for the girls basketball team to the Kewpee Classic in Lima, Ohio, one for the cross country team to attend an invite in late July in Canton, Ohio, and finally a choir trip to Nashville, Tennessee in March 2026.
Next was information on Hazel Health which is available free of cost and can provide mental health services to English as a second language students as there are no bilingual services on site or locally.
Approval for winter indoor track as a club sport finished out the report. Recommendations were approved by all members, being motioned by Lynn Wieland.
The personnel report followed with two resignations for midday bus route driver and JV volleyball coach, and a high school teacher retirement at the end of the school year.
Also included were several new employees, elementary secretary, junior high wrestling coach, and swim coach volunteer. Following was the concession stand worker list.
Finally, was the GBSN workers, where social media liaison Chris Malanga highlighted the increased interest and participation. Approval was received for all items included on the personnel recommendations.
To conclude, Rairigh briefly introduced policy updates. As this was the first reading, the school board has time to review in depth.
The next meeting was confirmed for Monday December 9th. With no need for an executive session. Meeting was adjourned at 7:18.
