Brown resigns as football coach
The Bellefontaine Board of Education thanked an outgoing board member for her many years of service during their regular meeting Monday evening, Dec. 11.
Brenda Sanford is retiring after 24 years of service on the board. Superintendent Brad Hall thanked Sanford for her many years of leadership.
Hall then presented a steel apple to Sanford.
Initially, Sanford ran because of her passion for education. She reflected on her six terms following Monday’s meeting.
One highlight included restructuring the four neighborhood elementaries (Pine Avenue, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Western) into one elementary school, she noted.
During her tenure, Sanford also focused on the mental health and emotional well-being of BCS students.
Brenda’s husband, Jim, and their daughter, Kristen Lang, attended the meeting.
Lang was elected in November to succeed her mother.
Sanford, who graduated from BHS in 1976, will continue in her role as a mental health therapist at Light the Way Christian Counseling Center in Bellefontaine.
“Brenda has been an incredible asset to the community in her service. She brought a level of expertise and experience along with calm and reason to the board,” BCS Board President Colin Yoder said.
Bellefontaine Athletic Director Matt Comstock presented a fall athletic wrap-up.
Comstock announced that longtime BHS football coach Jason Brown has resigned to focus 100 percent on his role as the high school principal, along with being a father.
Brown led the Chiefs’ football program for the last four years, including the historic 2023 football season. BHS won three playoff games for the first time in school history, tied the school record for wins in a season with 11, and finished as the regional runner-up.
Comstock also showcased the success of other fall sports.
The girls tennis team had the most wins in 15 years. The volleyball team recorded the most wins in 12 years.
Cross country standouts Grace Brown and Hayden Maus competed at the state meet.
Finally, Comstock highlighted a livestream partnership with Horvath Productions and WBCS.
Horvath Productions livestreamed football, volleyball, and soccer matches throughout the fall. WBCS students gained hands-on experience during these broadcasts.
The board also approved their meeting schedule for 2024. Board meetings are set for Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 11, April 15, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
The board accepted a donation of several tons of gravel along with the hauling expense from Neer’s Sand and Gravel.
In personnel matters, BES physical education teacher Fame Faler resigned Nov. 17.
In other action, the board:
• extended the following supplemental contracts: Maverick Aldo, Jere Daniels, Keri Fergus, Robin Henry and Brian Hogan, musical production assistants;
• approved the following volunteer coaches: Damon Dixon, high school boys wrestling; and Chelsea Horsley, Andrew Madley, high school girls wrestling; and
• recognized December Seniors of the Month Alexza Clifton and Zane Tevis; they each received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.
The board appointed Colin Yoder as president pro-tempore for the organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8. The organizational meeting will be followed by the regular meeting.
Retiring Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education member Brenda Sanford, center, is joined by the rest of the board, from the left, Mark Fissel, Bryn Stewart, Colin Yoder and Karen Wilson. (BCS PHOTO)