The new year is off to a fast start and plans continue to be underway to enhance the opportunities for our student body!

As we focus on the progress of the district, noted are some updates regarding the planning phases for the many facilities projects that are underway:

Career Tech Center - Junior High Gymnasium - Weight Room Facility Addition

In the coming weeks a contractor will be secured to perform the construction phase of the overall project. Groundbreaking is set for early spring of 2025, just a few short months away.

Final design plans are underway, along with preparation for curriculums and courses for the future. Pending the construction project stays on track we are aiming to open and utilize the new facility spaces beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. 

Art Connects Us

BCS continues to execute a Brownfield Remediation Grant in an effort to initiate the revitalization and rejuvenation process of the district's Central Building, known on the performing arts side as the Arts and Education Center. As of January 2025, the district is waiting for the State of Ohio to open the application window to begin moving forward with the process for the demolition of the "south half" of the Arts and Education building, including the removal of the gymnasiums and unused classrooms. 

Once the demolition permit is obtained for the classroom and gymnasium section of the building, plans will be administered to begin work. BCS anticipates any demolition processes for the classroom and gymnasium section of the building to begin in late 2025, or beyond. 

However, planning for "post demolition" is underway! BCS is more than excited to pursue the revitalization of the auditorium, along with facility expansions to the north and south of the auditorium to address focused needs of the existing structure.

Focused needs include the following:

• A New North Lobby addition 

• A New South "backstage" addition 

• Auditorium Upgrades 

In an effort to lead community partnerships that may support this vision, the following has been established:

• In November 2024, BCS partnered with the Bryan Area Foundation and the Bryan Area Foundation Trustees have approved the establishment of a new Project Fund.

• The opening of the Project Fund required an Establishing Gift and the community was blessed with a $100,000 donation from community members, Dr.George and Julie Brown.

• With this project fund establishment, Bryan native, community member, and arts advocate, Russ Davies will be leading the new ART Connects Us project vision and capital campaign.

• Russ Davies, along with George and Julie Brown, have noted the location and history of the Arts and Ed building as primary reasons for their interest in supporting the cause. As George and Julie often say, quoting anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

• Bryan City Schools has dedicated $2.1 million toward the project

• Bryan City Schools has started the process to secure an Architect firm for the project

• Information about the ART Connects Us project fund can be found on the Bryan Area Foundation website: www.bryanareafoundation.org

Beyond the above happenings, the school year is progressing forward and our students continue to impress! The outstanding efforts of our staff and students continue to make each day great. Let's focus our 2025 on becoming even better!

As always, THANK YOU and GO BEARS!

#BryanBuilt