OSBA Today

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...

Are you interested in running for your local school board? Do you know someone who would make a great candidate? OSBA's Get on Board campaign, at www.getonboardohio.gov, aims to raise the profile of boardmanship and encourage high-caliber candidates to run for office. Cheryl Ryan , OSBA's director of board and management services, and Teri Morgan , senior deputy director of board and man...

Two recent legislative enactments impose new obligations on school districts that affect student safety. House Bill (HB) 99 changed the requirements for schools that choose to arm staff. HB 123 required school districts to conduct threat assessments, assemble and train threat assessment teams and add elements to their local emergency management plans. OSBA Policy Consultant Gamy Narvaez  joins the...

You're a school board member. You have personal social media accounts, your campaign also maintains a social media presence and so does your school district. Under what circumstances are your personal social media pages considered “personal” and not subject to public records law? Thom Fladung , managing partner with Hennes Communications , joins the podcast to discuss a school board member&ap...

More than 150 school board members, superintendents and treasurers attended this year's State Legislative Conference in Columbus, where they heard from Gov. Mike DeWine , Senate President Matt Huffman , House Speaker Jason Stephens and a panel of legislators. School board members OSBA President Christine Varwig , Toledo Public ; Lynda O'Connor , Lakota Local (Butler); and Terry Gibson ,...

Several bills pending in the Ohio Legislature would expand school vouchers, including Senate Bill 11, which would provide universal vouchers. OSBA's Director of Legislative Services Jennifer Hogue joins the podcast to discuss the impact of these bills and what you can do to ensure your voice and your district's voice are heard. This episode is brought to you by Sedgwick, an OSBA endorsed...

A recent Supreme Court of Ohio ruling provides important clarity to public bodies, including school boards, about the Open Meetings Act and executive sessions. What do you say before you go into executive session? How do you comply with the law while in executive session? What are the consequences of violating the law? OSBA's Senior Deputy Director of Legal Services Jennifer Hardin, our guest...

Christine Varwig , who's in her 10th year on the Toledo Public Schools Board of Education, became OSBA's 2023 president on Jan. 1. The veteran board member has been a strong advocate for public education at both the state and national level. She joins the podcast to talk about her experiences, her district and her goals as leader of the association. This episode is brought to you by Sedg...

A new Ohio General Assembly begins in January with new faces in a legislature that will tackle a new biennial budget. OSBA's Director of Legislative Services Jennifer Hogue and Lobbyist Nicole Piscitani join the podcast to discuss what might be next for K-12 education at the Statehouse and what did and didn't pass during December's lame-duck session. For more resources, training and...

Confidence. Pressure. Social media. Body image. Today’s girls are facing tremendous challenges, according to Ruling our Experiences (ROX) , a national nonprofit that is focused on equipping all girls with the skills they need to navigate these challenges. Founder and CEO Dr. Lisa Hinkelman joins the podcast to talk about the group's mission to train school counselors, social workers and licen...

The Ohio School Breakfast Challenge recognized 22 schools and districts for outstanding work and results around school breakfast. One of those districts is St. Marys City Schools. Superintendent Bill Ruane, High School Principal Jonathan Burke, Child Nutrition Director Nicole Rasmussen and District Nurse Deanna Halko join the podcast to share their story and how the Second Chance Breakfast Program...