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 your district to success! Learn more and register at https://conference.ohioschoolboards.org/2024. Thanks to our sponsor Pappas & Associates, shaping policy with integrity. Learn more: https://www.pappaskc.com.
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. Thanks to our sponsor: Pappas & Associates. Learn more at https://www.pappaskc.com.
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.
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.
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 device programs becoming more prevalent in schools. Tune in to learn more and find out how Vartek can help your district develop strategic plans that align with technology purchases and curricular goals. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 and post the video on YouTube. Fladung offers practical advice on how to prepare should a First Amendment auditor appear at your school. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 insights into the cases and practical tips for managing social media accounts in both personal and official capacities. This episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of social media use by public officials and provides valuable guidance for school board members. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 improvement. Discover how boards can effectively engage with their communities, build consensus and prioritize student achievement outcomes. Get more resources at https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/advancing-student-achievement. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 legislators and advocating for public education. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 best meet their needs. Find the recommendations at: http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/36598. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 more information at: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/new-board-members. This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at https://vartek.com.
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 more at https://vartek.com.
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.
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://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 is available for Ohio districts. The deadline, Aug. 22, is fast approaching. Get more resources at https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/ohio-buses-clean-air-obaca-clean-school-bus-grant-program. This episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC, https://www.forward-edge.net.
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 episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC, https://www.forward-edge.net.
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 management services, have served on local school boards and join the podcast to discuss their perspectives on serving a school community and making the decisions that will shape our children’s future. This episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC, https://www.forward-edge.net.
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 podcast to help address questions and the implementation of these new laws. Get resources from the Ohio School Safety Center at https://ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/pre-k-12-schools/threat-assessment. Explore OSBA's Policy Services at https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/policy-services. This episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC, https://www.forward-edge.net.
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's right to maintain personal social media pages and the obligation to abide by public records laws. Learn more about Hennes Communications at https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/hennes-communications. This episode is brought to you by Forward Edge LLC, https://www.forward-edge.net.