OSBA Leading the Way

By Scott Gerfen

Education

What's OSBA Leading the Way about?

Listen to OSBA's podcast to stay informed about association news and the issues impacting public education.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

OSBA Leading the Way episodes:

06.10.2024
Summer in the school bus garage: Combating the driver shortage and enhancing safety
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...
05.22.2024
Do Ohio schools have to ban cellphones?
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...
05.13.2024
Tech tuneup: Is your district ready for the summer?
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...
04.18.2024
Is your district prepared for a First Amendment audit?
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...
04.08.2024
AI in Ohio schools: Implementing it safely and effectively
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...
03.19.2024
Can school board members block critics on social media?
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...
03.01.2024
The school board's role in advancing student achievement
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...
02.21.2024
Navigating Ohio's legislative agenda for public education
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...
02.02.2024
Enhancing school bus safety
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...
01.22.2024
Meet 2024 OSBA President Sally Green
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...
12.19.2023
Welcome to school board service!
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...
11.02.2023
Getting you ready for the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show
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...
10.24.2023
Get engaged in the conversation about school safety
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...
09.29.2023
Cybercrimes: A serious threat for schools
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...
09.15.2023
Best practices for levy campaigns
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...
07.11.2023
Ohio budget brings major changes to K-12 education
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...
06.26.2023
Grants available for new school buses
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...
05.25.2023
New guidance on prayer in school
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...
05.09.2023
Get on Board! Become a voice for Ohio's students
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...
04.21.2023
Ohio's threat assessment requirements: Is your district compliant?
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...
03.31.2023
Public records laws and a school board member's social media
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...
03.24.2023
2023 State Legislative Conference
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...
02.27.2023
Advocating against the expansion of school vouchers
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...
02.03.2023
Ohio's Open Meetings Act and school board executive sessions
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...
01.18.2023
Leadership profile: OSBA 2023 President Christine Varwig
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....
12.30.2022
Ohio public education: Looking ahead to 2023
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...
12.16.2022
Why girls?
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....
11.10.2022
Breakfast superstars!
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...
10.31.2022
What is special education?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to special education in meeting the needs of all students. Provided at no cost to parents, special education is specifically designed to address the unique needs of a student with disabilities. OSBA Staff Attorney John Price...
10.17.2022
Become a life-long learner: Attend the OSBA Capital Conference
The OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show is Ohio’s premier continuing education program — and we're ready to host thousands of board members, superintendents and other school district staff for three days, Nov. 13-15 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Jeff...
09.30.2022
National consortium seeks to advance public education
The Ohio School Boards Association, along with 21 other founding school boards, signed a resolution earlier this year to officially form the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA). This national alliance is dedicated to ensuring that students and their...
09.20.2022
Making the grade: A look at Ohio's new school report cards
Ohio's revamped school report cards replace the A through F system with a star-rating system. The change in the law is meant to be fairer for schools and make the report cards easier for parents to understand. OSBA Director of Legislative...
08.30.2022
BWC safety grants available for schools
Jennifer Oiler with Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio joins the podcast to talk about several employee safety grants available from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Learn more about how your district can benefit from these grants at https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-and-training/safety-grants. This episode is...
07.14.2022
Summer in the school bus garage
From meeting deadlines to planning routes and hiring drivers, the school year essentially begins in July for transportation managers. OSBA Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer joins the podcast with an update on the driver shortage and the important steps transportation managers and...
06.21.2022
Arming school staff
Legislation that reduces the number of training hours for armed school staff from more than 700 hours to 24 hours takes effect this fall following Gov. Mike DeWine's signature on June 13. OSBA Chief Legal Counsel Sara Clark and OSBA Deputy...
06.02.2022
Schools awarded for unique meal programs through Ohio School Breakfast Challenge
More than 20 school districts were recognized by the Ohio School Breakfast Challenge as Breakfast and Beyond "SuperStars" for their innovative ideas and solutions to ensure students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed. One of those districts is...
05.10.2022
Awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on a football coach's prayers
Former Washington state high school football coach Joseph Kennedy was fired after he made a habit of going to the 50-yard line following his team’s games and kneeling in prayer. The U.S. Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in the...
04.26.2022
How you can help shape OSBA's Legislative Platform
Where does OSBA stand on the many issues facing public education? Look no further than the OSBA Legislative Platform, a document that conveys to legislators, policymakers, the public and the media where OSBA stands. The platform guides OSBA’s advocacy efforts....
04.08.2022
Transportation planning for spring sports
Spring presents many challenges for school district transportation teams who must navigate a demanding athletics schedule and other events. OSBA Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer joins the podcast to talk about how your district can get creative in getting student-athletes to...
03.17.2022
Keeping the 'social' in social media
Social media is a great tool for school board members and their districts to engage with the communities they serve. How are you managing your message? Thom Fladung with Hennes Communications, an OSBA service provider, joins the podcast with tips...
03.01.2022
A conversation with OSBA President Robert M. Heard Sr.
Robert M. Heard Sr. became OSBA's 67th president in May 2021. He is a graduate of the district he serves, Cleveland Municipal, which educates more than 34,000 students. Heard, a former police officer and investigator, took office in the middle...
02.04.2022
Schools adapt to provide students nutritious meals
Schools play an important role in providing nutritious meals to children. And while the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages have challenged those efforts, schools and their foods service professionals have been nothing short of heroic in ensuring students...
12.31.2021
Ohio public education: Looking back and ahead to 2022
2021 began with the prospect for a new school-funding formula for Ohio, and it ended the year with discussions around vaccine mandates, critical race theory, and a parents bill of rights. OSBA Deputy Director of Legislative Services Will Schwartz joins...
12.03.2021
OLAC wants to help you become an effective leader
The Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC) is a partnership between the Buckeye Association of School Administrators and the Ohio Department of Education. Its goal is to provide educators -- no matter their role -- with the resources they need to...
11.19.2021
Congratulations! You've been elected to the school board. What now?
You've been elected to the school board. The campaign is behind you. Now, it's time to raise your right hand in January and become part of a group of leaders who govern a school district. As a new school board...
10.28.2021
Get ready for the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show!
Prepare yourself for three days of Leadership for Learning! The OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nov. 7-9, with inspiring keynote speakers, unparalleled learning and the opportunity to see students shine. We're ready...
10.12.2021
Advancing student achievement in your district
Are you promoting the great work of the students in your district? OSBA’s Student Achievement Leadership Team (SALT) and the many district student achievement liaisons are doing just that – and want to help you do the same in your...
09.20.2021
Public participation at school board meetings
Today’s politically charged climate over pandemic policies, diversity and more has led to crowded school board meetings. Does the public have a right to speak at school board meetings? Can a school board limit public comments? OSBA staff attorney Ralph...
08.17.2021
Get behind the wheel: Promote school bus safety in your district
Every day in Ohio, more than 15,000 school buses transport 800,000 children between home and school. It’s quite an achievement, and it couldn’t be done safely without collaboration between school bus drivers, parents, district leaders and the community. OSBA Transportation...
08.02.2021
COVID-19 health guidance for a new school year
As schools prepare for another year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of students and staff remain paramount. Several federal and state agencies have released recommendations on how schools can help control the spread of the virus. OSBA...

What's OSBA Leading the Way about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

OSBA Leading the Way episodes:

Summer in the school bus garage: Combating the driver shortage and enhancing safety

Do Ohio schools have to ban cellphones?

Tech tuneup: Is your district ready for the summer?

Is your district prepared for a First Amendment audit?

AI in Ohio schools: Implementing it safely and effectively

Can school board members block critics on social media?

The school board's role in advancing student achievement

Navigating Ohio's legislative agenda for public education

Enhancing school bus safety

Meet 2024 OSBA President Sally Green

Welcome to school board service!

Getting you ready for the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show

Get engaged in the conversation about school safety

Cybercrimes: A serious threat for schools

Best practices for levy campaigns

Ohio budget brings major changes to K-12 education

Grants available for new school buses

New guidance on prayer in school

Get on Board! Become a voice for Ohio's students

Ohio's threat assessment requirements: Is your district compliant?

Public records laws and a school board member's social media

2023 State Legislative Conference

Advocating against the expansion of school vouchers

Ohio's Open Meetings Act and school board executive sessions

Leadership profile: OSBA 2023 President Christine Varwig

Ohio public education: Looking ahead to 2023

Why girls?

Breakfast superstars!

What is special education?

Become a life-long learner: Attend the OSBA Capital Conference

National consortium seeks to advance public education

Making the grade: A look at Ohio's new school report cards

BWC safety grants available for schools

Summer in the school bus garage

Arming school staff

Schools awarded for unique meal programs through Ohio School Breakfast Challenge

Awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on a football coach's prayers

How you can help shape OSBA's Legislative Platform

Transportation planning for spring sports

Keeping the 'social' in social media

A conversation with OSBA President Robert M. Heard Sr.

Schools adapt to provide students nutritious meals

Ohio public education: Looking back and ahead to 2022

OLAC wants to help you become an effective leader

Congratulations! You've been elected to the school board. What now?

Get ready for the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show!

Advancing student achievement in your district

Public participation at school board meetings

Get behind the wheel: Promote school bus safety in your district

COVID-19 health guidance for a new school year

Other shows like OSBA Leading the Way: