Brandywine board kicks off first-round superintendent interviews; unanimously approves agenda and consent items

The Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education convened a special meeting July 6, 2026, at the Brandywine MS/HS Media Center in Niles to begin first-round interviews for superintendent candidates. The board scheduled interviews with Brandon Waggoner of Watervliet Public Schools at 5:00 p.m., Mary Brady of Decatur Public Schools at 6:00 p.m., and Ryan Markel of Edwardsburg Public Schools at 7:00 p.m.

Trustee Holly Pomranka moved that the board approve the meeting agenda as presented; Trustee John Jarpe supported the motion, which carried 7-0. Vice President Shannon Daniels moved and Treasurer Charles Schmidt supported approval of the consent agenda, also carried 7-0; the consent agenda included approval of the closed and regular meeting minutes dated June 29, 2026.

The record shows zero individuals addressed the board during the Hearing of Visitors. Interim Superintendent Elise Sorensen-Simpson was present. Other attendees listed included Chris Rice (WMERDF). The meeting proceeded with the scheduled candidate interview times and concluded when Secretary Amanda Fox moved—and Trustee John Jarpe supported—adjournment if there was no further business; that motion carried 7-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. The minutes were signed by Amanda Fox, Secretary.

The special meeting functioned as the board’s first formal, recorded step in the superintendent selection process: scheduling and beginning first-round interviews with three finalists. No votes were taken on hiring at this session; the record reflects procedural approvals and the interview schedule only.