Olentangy Local board appoints Brad Rellinger to fill Kevin O’Brien’s vacant seat

The Olentangy Local School District Board of Education voted at a special meeting to appoint Brad Rellinger to the board seat vacated by Kevin O’Brien, who resigned earlier this year. The appointee will serve the remainder of O’Brien’s term, which expires in 2027.

Board President Miss Wester outlined the selection process before the vote, saying the board received 24 applications, interviewed finalists over multiple meetings and conducted deliberations within the 30-day window required by law. "We had a lot of really impressive candidates," Miss Wester said, noting the board spent several hours screening and interviewing applicants.

Miss Wester described Rellinger’s background and qualifications, including his work as chief technology officer for the Northwest Buckeye Educational Service Center and his degrees in business administration and education technology. "He brings financial and technical knowledge and, more than anything else, just a caring, calm, patient, collegial attitude," Miss Wester said.

A board member announced before the roll call that they planned to cast a no vote while expressing respect for the nominee. Mr. Jenkins then called the roll for the appointment. The transcript records responses as: Mister Lester — yes; Doctor Dabrico — yes; Doctor Wallach — no; Miss Schreiber — yes. The motion was adopted and the board invited Rellinger to be sworn in.

Mr. Jenkins administered the oath of office; Rellinger answered, "I do," and was seated immediately. In brief remarks after taking the oath, Rellinger called the appointment "truly a humbling experience" and said he would "do my best to fight for every kid in Olentangy."

The board’s action fills the vacant seat until the next scheduled election for that term. The board adjourned following a second, separate agenda item and routine closing business.