Board Development

Achieving long-term success in education hinges on a strong relationship between the board of education and the district superintendent. This guide helps school boards foster the trust and cooperation needed to ensure successful partnerships with their superintendents. It covers the roles and responsibilities of both parties and provides practical steps for recruiting and selecting a superintendent, crafting effective employment contracts and job descriptions, and setting performance objectives and compensation. The book also includes FAQs, relevant statutes and sample policies.

 Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series and OSBA New Board Member Kit.

The responsibilities of the board president and vice president include providing leadership to encourage school board members to collaborate and fulfill the board’s responsibilities. However, there is little guidance on how to effectively facilitate these initiatives and lead a board of education. This publication provides guidance on the officers’ roles and responsibilities, including presiding at board meetings and working with your fellow board members, the administrative team and the community. The guide covers topics either mandated by state law or traditionally assumed by leaders of similar governing bodies.

Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series.

Public education thrives on strong relationships among the board of education, superintendent, treasurer and other central office and administrative staff. As a crucial adviser to the board of education and superintendent, the treasurer oversees all financial matters and must be well-versed in laws affecting school finance. This comprehensive guide offers invaluable insights on job descriptions, contracts, performance objectives and evaluations, helping board members understand the treasurer’s role and select the best treasurer or business manager for their district. With detailed statutes and sample policies, this publication helps board members better understand the responsibilities of this complex position.

Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series and OSBA New Board Member Kit.

This OSBA publication details the importance of board members in the legislative process. From working with your local legislator to a general understanding of the entire process, this book is a must for all board members.

Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series and OSBA New Board Member Kit.

Effective governance of public school districts requires vision, guidance and leadership. Board members must stay informed on a variety of issues, including negotiations, curriculum, finance, safety, community engagement and transportation. Board members must oversee policies ensuring consistent, ethical and legal governance. This guide offers practical guidelines for improving performance in this policymaking role. The appendices include a code of ethics, common abbreviations and suggestions for additional reading.

This quick reference manual covering a multitude of areas is an essential book for all board members.

Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series and OSBA New Board Member Kit.

A “survival kit” for all new board members. Includes these publications: Board-Legislature Partnership, Board-Superintendent Partnership, Board-Treasurer Partnership, Boardmanship, Labor Relations in Ohio Public Schools, The Ohio School Ethics Guide, Sunshine Laws for Schools and Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance.

Perfect for a new board member or an experienced veteran, this five-book set should be a part of every school board member’s library. The series includes Board Officers’ Guidebook, Board-Legislature Partnership, Board-Superintendent Partnership, Board-Treasurer Partnership and Boardmanship. A great deal, if purchased separatley the cost would be $75.00.

The Governance Core provides strategies and tools for board members, superintendents and school leaders to unify and face the complex challenges of school governance together. Practical and authentic, the Governance Core is based upon:

-A governance mindset
-A shared moral imperative
-A unified, cohesive governance system
-A commitment to system-wide coherence
-A focus on continuous improvement in the district

Essential for local education governance – school boards in collaboration with district and school leadership – this guide will help you operate at the highest levels of effectiveness.