PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CALLIE WELLS AWARD … Director of Media Communications at Bryan City Schools Chris Malanga (right) was recently awarded the Callie Wells Award for Outstanding Communication from the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) Foundation for School Business Management. Helping to honor Malanga during the Monday Bryan City Schools Board of Education meeting was Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan City Board of Education met in regular session on Monday evening, May 11, 2026, in the Mose Isaac Field House Conference Room.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Board members present included Ben Camarillo, Debra Opdycke, Dustin Schlachter, Caleb Turnbull, and Lynn Wieland.
Also in attendance were Superintendent Mark Rairigh and Treasurer Kevin Schafer, as well as members of the community, including Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade.
The Board approved and signed the minutes from the April 13, 2026, regular meeting before moving into public participation. There was no public participation.
The Board also approved the minutes from the May 8 public hearing, which included financial recommendations such as a change order for inner vestibule fireproofing, fire sprinkler adjustments, and a completion date change.
During the meeting, the Board recognized Bryan City Schools’ Director of Media Communications, Chris Malanga, for being named the OASBO Media and Communications Director of the Year.
Malanga received the Callie Wells Award for Outstanding Communication from the Ohio Association of School Business Officials Foundation for School Business Management.
According to the presentation, Malanga has served as a voice for the district for more than 20 years and, through his leadership of the Golden Bear Sports Network, has created opportunities for students to gain real-world skills while keeping the community connected to school events and academic milestones.
The award also includes a $2,000 scholarship for a Bryan High School senior, to be presented during the May 11 Scholarship Night.
Administrative reports were presented from Bryan Elementary, Bryan Middle/High School, Teaching and Learning/Assistant Superintendent, and Athletics. A report was also shared from Four County.
Under the Treasurer’s Report, the Board reviewed monthly financial reports and heard from investment advisors Touchstone Wealth Partners and U.S. Bank. Amended permanent appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 were approved, along with authorization to participate in all federal programs and grants for the 2026–2027 school year. The Board also approved the FY27 David Betts Double Play Diamond agreement.
Several donations were accepted, including pizza for Unified Sports Day from Bryan Masonic Lodge #215 and the Fifth Masonic District, as well as a $100,000 contribution from the Bryan Athletic Boosters designated for permanent athletic improvements.
In new business, the Board approved the list of Class of 2026 graduates contingent upon completion of all state and district requirements.
Handbooks for the 2026–2027 school year were approved, including the K–12 Student Handbook, Preschool Handbook, and the 2025–2026 Athletic Handbook.
The Board also approved participation in the NWOESC Mentor Program for the 2026–2027 school year.
Several personnel items were addressed. Victoria VanArsdalen announced her retirement as 6–12 Head Cashier in Food Service effective July 31, 2026. Julie Masten resigned her position as a 6–12 Educational Aide effective May 2, 2026.
New certified staff hires included Haylee Wheeler as a 5th Grade Intervention Specialist and Margaret Kunsman as a PK–5 Cross Categorical Teacher, both effective August 1, 2026. A correction was approved for Aimee Wulff’s contract length from five years to four years.
Megan Lytle-Steele was approved as the 2026 Online Credit Recovery Instructor for summer.
Administrative changes included the resignation of Athletic Director Nathan Keel, pending his approval as the new 6–12 Principal.
The Board later approved Keel’s hiring as Principal effective August 1, 2026, along with the hiring of Elizabeth Zuver as Gifted Coordinator and Theresa Torio as School Psychologist.
The Board addressed several athletic and academic supplemental contract non-renewals and approved new supplemental hires, including Lora Knight as Choir Accompanist at a tutor rate.
Ben Camarillo was approved as a Band Program Volunteer for the 2026–2027 school year.
Board members were reminded that the next Board of Education meeting will be held June 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the BCS Fieldhouse.
Graduation for the Class of 2026 will take place Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
Following discussion, the meeting adjourned.
