OSBA Today

Meet Tom Patterson , OSBA's 70th president and a veteran school board member from Sandusky City Schools. Hear about his journey from first-time board member to association leader and his thoughts on public education's evolving needs. Also, learn about his vision to connect policymakers with schools. This episode is sponsored by Pappas & Associates, shaping policy with integrity. Lear...

In this episode, we spotlight the Consortium of State School Boards Associations ' efforts to amplify the voice of local school boards at the national level with guest Julie Feasel , COSSBA's director of communications. Also, get a sneak peek at COSSBA's upcoming annual conference and discover how Ohio’s school boards can leverage these resources for local impact! Learn more: https:...

In this episode of OSBA's Leading the Way, we jump into Ohio’s evolving education policy landscape with insights from Will Schwartz and Alex Moormann of Pappas & Associates . What's coming during the lame-duck session and the next biennial budget? Thanks to Pappas & Associates for sponsoring this essential discussion, aimed at equipping Ohio’s education leaders with knowledge for...

In this episode, guest Pete LuPiba , coordinator of Ohio's Purple Star program, shares how Ohio schools support military-connected students and their families. Learn how schools earn the Purple Star designation, the unique challenges military families face and how Ohio is leading the way in creating supportive environments for these students. Tune in to discover how this initiative is making...

Guests OSBA CEO Dr. Kathy McFarland and Senior Student Achievement Consultant Dr. Kim Miller-Smith explore the critical role of family engagement in student success. They offer strategies for building strong partnerships between schools and families, share best practices for fostering meaningful communication and highlight how school boards can support initiatives that create inclusive environment...

Get ready for the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show, the largest gathering of education leaders in Ohio! This year's event, Nov. 10-12, is packed with incredible keynote speakers, dynamic learning sessions and over 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in education. Whether you're a board member, administrator or educator, the OSBA Capital Conference will help you lead yo...

Host Scott Gerfen and OSBA Staff Attorney John Price join forces on this episode of "Leading the Way" to discuss the Open Meetings Act. They explore the common errors school districts make and the repercussions that can follow. Essential listening for school board members aiming to uphold the principles of open governance. Get more resources: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/sunshine-law...

In this episode, discover effective strategies to address the ongoing school bus driver shortage and learn how districts can prepare their bus fleets over the summer. Guest OSBA Senior Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer shares insights on successful recruitment tactics, efficient route planning and the importance of summer maintenance. For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the...

By July 1, 2025, each school district and community school must adopt a policy governing students' use of cellphones during school hours. OSBA Deputy Director of Board and Management Services Kenna Haycox joins the podcast to discuss the law's key points and what districts should consider in developing a cellphone policy. For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio Sc...

In this episode, Darlene Waite and Glenn Corson , with our partners at Vartek , discuss the challenges school districts face with technology at the end of the school year and the steps districts should take to properly shut down and secure technology for the summer. They also share insights about the importance of maintaining and updating technology during the summer months, especially with 1-to-1...

Thom Fladung with Hennes Communications discusses the "First Amendment audits" trend and what schools can do to prepare for them. First Amendment auditors are individuals who go into public buildings, including schools, with video cameras to test their right to access public spaces. While there is some legitimacy to this, the auditors often try to provoke encounters with school employees...

In this episode, we explore Ohio's AI toolkit for K-12 school districts with OSBA Policy Consultant Gamy Narvaez . Discover how aligning AI policies with district-specific values and objectives can ensure safe, effective and responsible use of AI in schools. Get more information about the toolkit at https://innovateohio.gov/aitoolkit/ai-toolkit. This episode is brought to you by  Vartek , edu...

In this episode, OSBA Chief Legal Counsel Sara Clark discusses recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving public officials, including school board members, and their use of social media. The rulings, issued March 15th, address whether public officials' social media accounts constitute public forums and how they can navigate the use of social media to avoid First Amendment issues. Get insig...

In this episode, OSBA Senior Student Achievement Consultant Kim Miller-Smith discusses the crucial role school board members play in creating conditions for student achievement. Key areas include vision, accountability, policy, relationships and community engagement, with an emphasis on the importance of collaboration with district leadership and the community to set standards for continuous impro...

Jennifer Hogue , director of OSBA's legislative services, discusses the current legislative agenda for public education in Ohio, from property taxes to student absences and reading and math instruction. Learn more about potential changes in leadership at the Statehouse and the impact on legislative priorities. Also, understand the importance of local board members engaging with their legislat...

Gov. Mike DeWine announced 17 recommendations issued by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group to enhance the safety of student transportation. Episode guest OSBA Senior Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer , who was involved with the working group, discusses the recommendations, which range from additional training to giving school districts flexibility to invest in the safety measures that be...

Sally S. Green is in her 19th year on the Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools Board of Education, a rural district in northeast Ohio. Her longstanding commitment to public education in her community has undoubtedly shaped the district's growth and future. In this episode, hear more about her journey, her district's unique characteristics and her perspectives on public education. This episode...

Nearly 600 first-time school board members will take office in January. In this episode, we'll explore what to expect as a new school board member, from understanding your role and responsibilities to how to make a positive impact in your new role and contribute to the success of your school district! Guests: former school board members and OSBA consultants Kristi Robbins and Quinn Maceyko ....

Get a sneak peek of the upcoming 2023 OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show as event planners Cheryl Ryan and Jeff Chambers join the podcast! We're diving into all the conference highlights, including keynote speakers, learning sessions, the Trade Show and Student Achievement Fair, which is celebrating 25 years. This episode is brought to you by  Vartek , education's IT partner. Learn m...

October is Ohio School Safety Month. Emily Torok , executive director of the Ohio School Safety Center, discusses the safety center's mission, addressing mental health needs and the importance of collaboration, partnerships and community engagement in ensuring a secure learning environment. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com...

Cyberattacks that target schools can not only cause financial loss and disruption but also jeopardize student safety. In fact, schools have become the leading target for hackers. Cybersecurity experts Denise Caccavari and Chris Infante with Forward Edge LLC join the podcast to talk about strategies to prevent these malicious intrusions. This episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC,  https://...

The Ohio Auditor of State has released  an FAQ on levy activity  by public officials and employees. OSBA's Chief Legal Counsel, Sara Clark, joins the podcast to break down the new guidance and what it means for school board members, superintendents and treasurers. We also released a webinar in August that provides more information. This episode is brought to you by  Forward Edge LLC ,  https:...

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law the state's next two-year budget that delivers historic funding for public schools but also provides universal vouchers. Our guest, OSBA's Director of Legislative Services Jennifer Hogue , discusses the budget's impact on school funding and what's next. This episode is brought to you by  Forward Edge LLC ,  https://www.forward-edge.net...

Is your district in need of new school buses? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus program provides funding to eligible applicants for the replacement of existing school buses with clean, alternative fuel school buses or zero-emission school buses. OSBA Senior Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer joins the podcast to discuss the application process and how much money i...

The U.S. Department of Education has issued  updated guidance  on prayer and other religious expressions in public schools. It follows last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case involving a high school football coach who would pray on the 50-yard line after games. OSBA Staff Attorney John Price discusses the new guidance and what it means for students, teachers and administrators. This...