Strong schools are built on aligned leadership.

In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Lolli and Mike Trego from the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC) to discuss collaborative leadership and why alignment among school boards, superintendents, principals and teachers is critical to district success.

The conversation explores how leadership teams move from isolated decision-making to shared direction, common goals, and sustainable improvement. Guests share real district examples, warning signs when collaboration breaks down, and practical tools districts can use to strengthen leadership coherence and improve student outcomes.

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Learning Solutions, which provides accredited K–12 digital curriculum and supports schools with flexible instructional content and expert professional learning for educators in all learning environments.

Subscribe to Leading the Way for more conversations with education leaders shaping public education across Ohio.

In this episode of OSBA’s Leading the Way podcast, host Scott Gerfen sits down with OSBA board consultants Kristi Robbins and Teri Morgan — both former school board members — to break down what new members need to know as they step into public service. They discuss:• What to expect during the first 90 days on the board• How to prepare for your first board meeting• Governance vs. day-to-day management• Building strong relationships with fellow board members and the superintendent• Handling community expectations• Staying student-focused in every decisionWhether you're newly elected or simply seeking clarity on your role, this episode offers firsthand lessons, practical tips, and encouragement to start your term with confidence!Thank you to our sponsor: Lincoln Learning Solutions. Learn more: https://www.lincolnlearningsolutions.org.

n this special on-site episode of OSBA’s Leading the Way Podcast, host Scott Gerfen takes you inside the 2025 OSBA Capital Conference & Trade Show, exploring two of the event’s biggest highlights:• The Student Achievement Fair, where students from across Ohio showcase hands-on learning, career pathways and innovation in action.• One of the largest education-related trade shows in the nation, featuring more than 500 exhibitors supporting Ohio’s public schools.Whether you attended the conference or couldn’t be there this year, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the innovation and energy at Ohio’s premier education event.Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Lincoln Learning Solutions!

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, and in this episode of OSBA’s Leading the Way podcast, host Scott Gerfen sits down with Pete LuPiba, Ohio’s Purple Star school liaison, to explore how schools across the Buckeye State are supporting military-connected students and families.LuPiba shares the story behind the Purple Star Schools Program — a first-of-its-kind initiative that started in Ohio and has become a national model for recognizing and supporting military families. From classroom initiatives and community partnerships to new programs like Collegiate Purple Star, this conversation highlights how schools are honoring service and building belonging for every student.🔗 Learn more about how OSBA celebrates Military Family Appreciation Month: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/celebrate-military-family-appreciation-month.

Thanks to our sponsor: Lincoln Learning Solutions!#PurpleStarSchools #MilitaryFamilies #MilitaryAppreciationMonth#SupportOurStudents #MilitaryConnectedYouth

Artificial intelligence is already shaping how students learn, search and create. But how can schools use AI responsibly — and effectively?In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen sits down with Kathryn Cerminara, senior manager of sales at Lincoln Learning Solutions, to break down how AI is being used in Ohio classrooms, what makes Ohio a leader in K-12 AI policy, and how school boards can take the first steps toward smart AI integration.🔹 Why AI belongs in classrooms but doesn’t replace teachers🔹 What Lincoln AI is and how it supports student learning🔹 How to approach AI with purpose, not just products🔹 What school leaders and parents should know right now🎧 Sponsored by Lincoln Learning Solutions

Advocacy is one of the most powerful ways school board members can make a difference — not just in their districts, but across the state and nation.In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen talks with Jocelyn Spencer Rhynard of Dayton City Schools and Bill Ferguson Jr. of Hamilton County ESC and Great Oaks Career Campuses. Fresh off their trip to Washington, D.C., for the Consortium of State School Boards Associations' Federal Advocacy Conference, they share:• Why telling your story is the heart of effective advocacy.• How to build relationships with lawmakers and their staff.• Tips for overcoming the fear of getting started and finding your voice.Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or a first-time school board member, this episode will inspire you to take action and make an impact for your students and community.📢 Key message: Strong schools need strong voices.Learn how you can be a champion for public education!Subscribe for more episodes of Leading the Way and stay connected to the voices shaping Ohio’s future.Thank you to our sponsor: Lincoln Learning Solutions -- https://www.lincolnlearningsolutions.org.

In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen examines the Ohio General Assembly’s push to change the state’s property tax system — and the consequences it could have for schools, students and communities.Guests Dr. Howard Fleeter of the Ohio Education Policy Institute and Nicole Piscitani from OSBA’s Legislative Services team explain why property taxes have long been a cornerstone of school funding. They break down how the proposed changes could reduce the resources schools need to help students succeed, while offering little real relief to homeowners. The conversation also explores what the future of property tax legislation could mean for Ohio’s classrooms.Sponsored by Lincoln Learning Solutions. Get more information at https://www.lincolnlearningsolutions.org.

In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen sits down with John Ondo, OSBA’s media consultant, and Josh Gallagan, digital design instructor at Delaware Area Career Center. Together, they explore why media is the language of today — and how schools can use it to connect with their communities, inspire students and tell their unique stories.From using smartphones as powerful storytelling tools to building award-winning student programs, this conversation dives into practical strategies for school boards, superintendents, and educators to effectively engage audiences across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and more.Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or board member, this episode offers insights on embracing media to lead with transparency, build trust and showcase the amazing things happening in your district.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations shaping public education in Ohio!

Thank you to our sponsor, Lincoln Learning Solutions. Learn more at https://www.lincolnlearningsolutions.org.

In this episode, OSBA Senior Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer joins us to explore why selecting the most senior bus driver isn’t always the best move when hiring a transportation manager. Palmer shares insights on what school districts should look for in leadership roles within the transportation department and how strategic hiring can impact safety, efficiency and staff morale. Thanks to our sponsor, Pappas & Associates

In this episode of the Leading the Way podcast, host Scott Gerfen discusses the profound implications of House Bill 335 on Ohio's students. The bill could strip up to $2 billion in funding from public schools, affecting teacher employment, class sizes, extracurricular programs and more. Legislative experts Jennifer Hogue and Nicole Piscitani break down the bill's provisions, its current status in the legislative process and what it could mean for students and communities across Ohio. The discussion also covers the state budget and the importance of advocacy in shaping education policy.

Sponsored by Pappas & Associates.