Bryan ISD’s central administration office undergoes a reorganization.
Three positions recommended by the superintendent were approved at the end of the BISD school board’s October 21st meeting.
The only public comments by board members preceding unanimous votes were congratulating the new hires. Two are current BISD employees and the third was returning in a new position.
Filling a two year vacancy as BISD deputy superintendent is one of the district’s school leadership directors, Brian Merrell. A BISD spokesman says Merrell was the only person who applied.
The district’s new operations director, Warren Lamphier, returns to BISD after leaving two years ago as transportation director.
The board also agreed to move the principal at Bryan Collegiate High School, Tommy Roberts, to become the district’s new human resources director.
WTAW News asked how many applications were received and how many candidates were interviewed for the operations and human resources positions.
A BISD news release announcing the positions approved by the school board also included the superintendent’s decision to reclassify employee and community relations director Hugo Ibarra as the district’s executive director of community affairs. Dr. Ibarra’s former position will not be filled.
Click below to hear comments from the October 21, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting about hiring the district’s new human resources director, new operations director, and new deputy superintendent.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Deputy Superintendent: Accomplished Bryan ISD Leader Hired for Even Bigger Role
In March 2022, Ginger Carrabine became Bryan ISD Superintendent. Prior to this role, Ms. Carrabine served as Deputy Superintendent, a position that has remained vacant since her promotion.
Stepping into the role of Deputy Superintendent today, is Dr. Brian Merrell. Dr. Merrell has been with Bryan ISD since 2018, where he has served in the role of Executive Director of School Leadership, most currently overseeing secondary campuses, fine arts, career and technical education, and multiple student, family, and community engagement initiatives.
Prior to Bryan ISD, Merrell served as principal in Waller ISD for 13 years and has now been serving in education for over 26 years. Dr. Merrell received all three of his degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Education) from Texas A&M University. He currently holds teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.
As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Merrell will oversee the district operations division while ensuring the effective execution of operational systems across the district. The Deputy will also supervise the leaders of the Career and Technical Education Department, and the Fine Arts Department, while also managing special projects as determined.
In addition, Dr. Merrell will lead long-range strategic planning, master facilities planning, and a multitude of district initiatives. This position emphasizes community, family, and
student engagement while interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Executive Director of Human Resources: Proven Leadership Success to Lead Bryan ISD Human Resource Department
Bryan Collegiate High School principal, Tommy Roberts, was unanimously approved by the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees on Monday, October 21 as the Executive Director of Human Resources, most recently vacated in the Summer of 2024.
Tommy Roberts, who has led Bryan Collegiate High School as principal since 2017, has been instrumental in maintaining the school’s U.S. News and World Report Best High School rankings for 11 consecutive years. Mr. Roberts started his career at Bryan ISD in 2005 and has served in a variety of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, associate principal, and principal.
Roberts received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree and Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University. He completed his postgraduate studies and principal certification program at Sam Houston State University and is completing his Superintendency Certification Program through the University of Texas at Tyler. Roberts currently holds teacher and principal certifications.
As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Roberts will provide strategic leadership and direction for all HR functions within the school district consisting of over 3,000 employees. The role emphasizes talent acquisition, management, development, compensation, and retention of employees while ensuring legally sound and effective systems. The Executive Director will be instrumental in creating a positive work environment that aligns with the district’s educational goals and standards through effective Human Resources practices.
Executive Director of Operations: Experienced Director to Return in Leading Role
Former Bryan ISD Director of Transportation and current Director of Operations at School Bus Inc. Sioux Falls, Warren Lanphier, was unanimously approved by the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees Monday, October 21 as the Executive Director of Operations, most recently vacated in September 2024.
Since 2022 and leaving Bryan ISD, Lanphier has served and overseen over 175 employees at School Bus Inc. He has done this while managing a $10 million budget successfully implementing recruiting strategies and achieving Department of Transportation standards. Lanphier received his Bachelor of Science and Associate in Applied Science in Behavioral Sciences from Lewis Clark State College and his Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University.
As the Executive Director of Operations, Lanphier will oversee and manage the auxiliary support services within the school district, which include transportation, maintenance, food services, custodial services, warehouse operations, safety and security, and construction projects. He will ensure that all operations services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the district’s educational goals and standards.
Executive Director of Community Affairs: Reclassification of Roles: Successful and Experienced Leader to Oversee Community Affairs
Recently, Dr. Hugo Ibarra, was reclassified as Executive Director of Community Affairs. Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Ibarra was the Director of Employee and Community Relations at Bryan ISD. (Ibarra’s previous Director position will not be filled.). This reclassification has been a part of Ms. Carrabine’s restructuring of her executive leadership team.
With over 12 years of experience in the district and 20 years in education, Dr. Ibarra has served in a variety of district leadership roles including Director of Employee and Community Relations, Community Outreach Officer, principal, assistant principal, and teacher.
With a background in business administration and marketing, Dr. Ibarra brings a multifaceted approach to the many layers that impact community engagement, school leadership, and student achievement. Dr. Ibarra earned his Doctor of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master’s degree in Education and Curriculum Instruction from Texas A&M University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico. He currently holds teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.