(by Megan Edwards, Staff Writer - February 21, 2009)
For the second time this year, the Columbus City School District board of education welcomed a new member to its organization.
Board members unanimously appointed Blacklick resident Bryan O. Steward on Feb. 10, during a special meeting, to a seat vacated by former board President Dr. Terry Boyd, who resigned to focus on his career at Franklin University. Steward was chosen out of a pool of 15 applicants.
In front of family and friends, Steward was sworn into office Feb. 17, at a regular board meeting.
Steward is a self-employed attorney specializing in civil litigation, business, employment and family law, who received his law degree from Capital University. He received his bachelor of science degree in economics from Bowling Green State University and his master’s of business administration from Franklin University. His work experience includes admissions officer at Capital University, where he focused on recruiting students from Columbus City Schools. A 1987 graduate of Northland High School, Steward also serves as vice-president and investment officer on the Fifth-Third Bank Community Development Corp., an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College, and as a member of the school district’s African American Advisory Council.
The choice to apply for the vacant seat stemmed from work with particular organizations, Steward said.
“I’ve had opportunity to work a lot in the trenches,” he said after his first meeting. “With my background, I felt that I could help to make a difference. I truly understand the importance of education and how it transforms lives.”
Along with learning the processes of the board of education, Steward said he looks forward to getting to know the board and its goals.
“I hope to help facilitate and move along the goals of the district,” Steward said. “And to be a productive member of the board.”
Steward was careful to point out challenges ahead of the board and him in the coming months and year.
“I still need to understand the challenges that the district is facing,” he said. “My goal is to make sure I understand those challenges and to work with the board to address those challenges.”
The seat Steward fills will expire December 2009. Steward has indicated he will run for office in November.
Steward joins Ramona Reyes as the newest members of the board. Reyes recently took office Jan. 20, replacing former board member W. Carlton Weddington, whom voters elected to the Ohio House in November.
