(PHOTOS BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT … Elementary and High School Art Students present their artwork to the board.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan Board of Education met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting began promptly at 6:00 p.m. with members Ben Camarillo, Debra Opdycke, Dustin Schlachter, Caleb Turnbull, and Lynn Wieland present.
Also in attendance were High School Principal Steven Alspaugh, Elementary Principal Kasey Thormeier, Director of Teaching and Learning Karyn Cox, Superintendent Mark Rairigh, Treasurer Kevin Schafer, and a few members of the community.
First on the agenda was the approval of the meeting minutes from the March 10th regular meeting and the March 10th Special meeting. There were no public concerns or participation.
Bryan Elementary and HS Art Students showcased their artwork and discussed what they enjoyed most about Art class.
Mrs. Grant had a few 1st and 2nd graders give speeches and present some of their artwork. Under the direction of Mr. Neff, High school seniors presented some of their art pieces and discussed future college plans.
In his report, Superintendent Mark Rairigh talked about spring sports, and, due to the weather, sixteen events have been canceled so far in the year.
Mrs. Cox shared that state testing is currently underway. She also mentioned that April 15th is Purple Up Day, and staff and students are encouraged to wear the color Purple in support of the military.
In the Elementary Report, Thormeier said that Grandparents Day was a huge success, and the school had over 1716 guests, so it was a busy day.
High School Principal Alspaugh reported that the musical was a huge success. He also reported that, in addition to state testing, the students would be holding elections for student council and class officers. He reminded the board about the mock crash to be set up at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier this coming weekend.
In the report from Four County Career Center, Ben Camarillo said that the blood drive was successful, with over 92 units collected.
He also mentioned that there is a waiting list for students who want to enter programs at Four County, but over 536 placement letters have been sent out for the 2025-2026 school year.
The following financial recommendations were made by the treasurer:
-OHI Charter Group for BWC for 2025 Policy Year.
-FY25 SF200 for St. Patrick’s Auxiliary Funds.
-Contract with Julian & Grube for Agreed Upon Procedures Related to Medicaid Reimbursement for FY 26-27.
-Modified Appropriations for FY25.
-Transfer $500,000 from the General Fund to the Permanent Improvement Fund.
-Authorization to Solicit Bids for Milk/Dairy Products for the 2025-2026 School Year.
-Donations to approve from the Kiwanis Club of Bryan – $6,000 for a book vending machine and from the Academic Booster Club – $200 for Academic League and $299 for Teacher PD (workshop).
A motion to approve the treasurer’s financial recommendations was made by Turnbull and seconded by Schlachter.
In old business, the board discussed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new athletic building that is set to be completed by June 2026.
In new business, the board discussed strong ticket sales for the musical and noted that morning drop-off traffic has been much smoother with help from the SROs directing cars.
The board approved early 2025 graduates Gabriel Ledyard and Alexander Underwood, who have completed all Bryan City Schools and State of Ohio graduation requirements. A motion to approve was made by Debra Opdycke and seconded by Lynn Wieland.
Personnel recommendations are as follows:
-Certified Staff/Salary Move for Mel Reinhart, MA+20.
-One-year Limited Teacher Contract Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year for PK-5 Staff: Brett Cordy, Paige Gunsmiller, Alicia Shook, Katie Siverson; 6-12 Staff: Amy Chambers.
-Two-Year Limited Teacher Contract Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year for PK-5 Staff: Nicole Minor, Emily Walker; 6-12 Staff: Michele Brown, Bethany Lamb, Jason Luthy, Nicholas Senat, Scott Staten.
-Three-Year Limited Teacher Contract Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year for PK-5 Staff: Jordan D. Brown, Beth Clingaman, Jacqueline Deke, Delaney Valderas, Tracy Cook, Meghan Grime, Sara Huard, Nicole Hurst, Rachel Schroeder, Lindsey Stack; 6-12 Staff: Samantha Molina, Jacob Sturt.
-Five-Year Limited Teacher Contract Effective for the 2024-2025 School Year for PK-5 Staff: Trina Fryman, Alana Perkins; 6-12 Staff: Grant Redhead, Jennifer Redhead, Colin Walker.
-Continuing Teacher Contract Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year for PK-5 Staff: Casey Clemens, Jessica Gerick, Sarah Nowaczyk; 6-12 Staff: Matthew Kaullen, Olivia Kaullen, Josh Neilson.
-Summer Student Workers for Technology Dept. for 2024-2025: Elijah Cummins, Josiah Cummins.
-GBSN Student Workers for 2024-2025: Easton Heater, Nola O’Dell, Griffin Davies, Monica Maynez, Bailey Sines.
-Athletic Supplemental Resignation for the 2025-2026 School Year: Matt Dominique, Head Wrestling Coach, John Minor, JH Football, and John Minor, Girls’ Assistant Basketball
-Certified Staff Transfer 2025-2026 School Year: Sara Nowaczyk, from Intervention Specialist to Kindergarten Teacher (pending required licensure), and Marjory Snyder, from 5th Grade ELA Teacher to Cubergarten Teacher.
-New Certified Staff Hire for 2025-2026 School Year (pending receipt of license, transcripts & current BCI/FBI): Kaylynn Wellman, 4th Grade ELA Teacher.
-Administrative Hire for 2025-2026 School Year: Marchetta Caryer, transfer from PK-5 Lunchroom Manager to Food Service Director, effective 8/1/2025, and Kendra Smeltzer, Superintendent Administrative Assistant, effective 8/1/2025.
-Extended Time Contracts 2025-2026 School Year: 10 Days – Karen Meister, Kim Bassett, Courtney Ruffer, Sara Huard, Amber Franzdorf, Jamie Morris, Sarah Vashaw, Angelle Reinick, Rachel Mann, Garret Gleckler, Jason Luthy; 5 Days – Andrea Oliver; 3 Days – Christine Alt, Rebecca Kuhn.
A motion to approve the superintendent’s personnel recommendations was made by Turnbull and seconded by Schlachter.
The following NEOLA policies were presented for second reading, with the first reading having taken place at the March board meeting:
Bylaw 0131.1 – Technical Corrections (Revised); Bylaw 0171 – Review of Policy (Rescind); Policy 1422.01 – Drug-Free Workplace (New)’ Policy 2271 – College Credit Plus Program (Revised); Policy 2340 – Field and Other District-Sponsored Trips (Revised); Policy 2430.02 – Participation of Community/STEM School Students in Extracurricular Activities (Revised); Policy 2431 – Interscholastic Athletics (Revised); Policy 2460 – Special Education (Revised); Policy 5113 – Inter-District Open Enrollment (Revised); Policy 5113 – Transfer Students (Technical Correction); Policy 5330 – Use of Medications (Revised); Policy 5350 – Student Health, Wellbeing, and Suicide Prevention (Revised).
Other policies included: Policy 5460 – Graduation Requirements (Revised); Policy 5610 – Removal, Suspension, Expulsion, and Permanent Exclusion of Students (Revised); Policy 5751 – Parental Status of Students (Revised); Policy 5780.01 – Parents’ Bill of Rights (New); Policy 6151 – Insufficient Funds Checks (Revised); Policy 7421 – Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Shower Rooms, and Changing Rooms (New); Policy 7440.01 – Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring (Revised); Policy 8142 – Criminal History Record Check for Contracted School Services (Revised); Policy 8452 – Automated External Defibrillators (“AED”) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Revised); Policy 8500 – Food Services (Revised) . A motion to approve the policy changes upon second reading was made by Turnbull and seconded by Opdycke.
Dates for upcoming events:
-Staff Appreciation Week: May 5 – May 9, 2025
-Prom: Saturday, May 10, 2025
-Academic Booster Club Awards: Monday, May 5, 2025 – High School Gym
-Senior Scholarship Night: Monday, May 12, 2025 – High School Gym
-Graduation: Sunday, May 25, 2025
With no need for an executive session, the Bryan Board of Education adjourned at 7:04 pm. The next meeting will be held on May 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Commons.