Join fellow board members for a two-day training filled with insights and strategies needed to lead your district to educational excellence. Register now to broaden your expertise, sharpen your leadership and tackle your district's challenges head-on.

Developed by board members for board members, this event features learning sessions tailored to you. Whether you're a new board member in your first term or a seasoned veteran, you'll benefit from hearing the latest on finances, legislation, school law, board development, student achievement and other critical topics.

Event Registration Closes at noon on Friday April 25, 2025.
All Cancellations for refunds must be made by noon on Friday April 25, 2025.

Board Leadership Institute will be held at:
Hilton Columbus Polaris
8700 Lyra Drive
Columbus OH 43240
614-885-1600

For discounted rooms within our housing block: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/cmhpohf-90y-ca118b6f-2ab8-44e0-9cbe-80ab5898cfd9/

Thank you to our sponsors:
Friday Luncheon: Sedgwick Claim Management Services
Friday Networking Reception: Frontline Education
Saturday Luncheon: Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio

Sessions

Date Title Location
5/2/25 Board Leadership Institute: Racing Toward Excellence 8700 LYRA DR COLUMBUS, OH 43240-2103

Friday May 2, 2025

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

Please let Scott Clay know if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions

Menu: TBA

Location: Ballroom Foyer

8:45 a.m.
Welcome and Announcements
OSBA Staff

Location:  Polaris Ballroom ABC

9 a.m.
Opening Session: Board meetings live and in-person: What can go wrong?
Erin Wessendorf-Wortman, Giselle Spencer and William Deters, II, attorneys, Ennis Britton Co. LPA

This mock board of education meeting will highlight potential pitfalls and areas of concern that occur during board meetings. The interactive session will engage the audience in meaningful discussions and strategic solutions.
Location: Polaris Ballroom ABC

10 a.m.
Networking Break
10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1F: Holistic approach: It takes a village
Bradley A. Herman, superintendent, and Kaitlyn Fraley, student services coordinator, Lucas Local (Richland); and Herb Ross, comprehensive adolescent behavioral health services program director, Family Life Counseling and Psychiatric Services

Learn how Lucas Local (Richland) used a holistic approach to support students, staff and families to enhance wellness throughout the district. By partnering with Family Life Counseling and Psychiatric Services, the district built strong community connections and increased family support while addressing academic goals.

Location: Polaris Ballroom F

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1E: A positive, disciplined, caring culture and climate drives everything!
Todd Spinner, superintendent, Cardington-Lincoln Local (Morrow)

A strong school culture built on positivity, discipline and care creates the foundation for student and staff success. Explore how intentional leadership, clear expectations and a supportive environment can transform schools and communities.

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1D: A Strategic storytelling inspires action
Stacie Raterman, director of communications, Hilliard City; Amy Busby, director of community relations, Medina City; and Shane Haggerty, managing director, marketing communications, and Scott Wortman, senior director of communications, Battelle for Kids

Discover the transformative power of storytelling and communications. As districts strive to implement their vision and engage stakeholders, storytelling is paramount. Without a compelling narrative, even the most visionary initiatives can falter. Through a strategic approach, districts can ignite action, motivate advocacy and breathe life into their educational vision.
Location Polaris Ballroom D

11:15 a.m.
Networking Break
11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2F: Amplify and elevate putting power in students' hands
Bruce Alexander, board vice president, and student representatives, Akron City

Students play important roles in decision-making in their schools and their communities. Their unique perspectives provide insight on and offer solutions for a variety of projects and issues. Learn how the Student Voices initiatives helps students learn valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, communications, community service and more.

Location Polaris Ballroom F

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2E: Student safety and security: Priority one
Anthony Gomez, board vice president; Ryan Huch, director of technology and security; and and Ben Gessford, security supervisor, Cuyahoga Falls City

Hear how Cuyahoga Falls City School District enhanced safety and security in the district and its efforts to explore new opportunities for improvement. Discover strategies your district can implement to achieve the same results.

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2D: Generative AI Year 2: Lessons learned
Robert McBride, attorney, Ennis Britton Co. LPA; Matt Young, superintendent, and George N. Burich, assistant superintendent, Cuyahoga Heights Local (Cuyahoga)

The panel will revisit critical issues surrounding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 schools. Explore the benefits and drawbacks, and review the ethical and practical considerations affecting AI in education.

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

12:30 p.m.
Lunch
Sponsored by Sedgwick

Join us for lunch and an opportunity to connect with board members from your region. Plan to expand your network, exchange ideas and build valuable connections.
Please contact Scott Clay if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Menu: TBA
Location Polaris Ballrooms ABC

1:30 p.m.
Breakout Sesion 3F: From crucial to courageous conversations
Cari Lynn Buehler, superintendent, Danbury Local (Ottawa)

Embark on a transformative journey as we explore the profound impact of courageous conversations by unleashing the power of dialogue. Discover the art of navigating sensitive discussions with resilience and grace, unlocking the potential for positive change.
Location: Polaris Ballroom F

1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3E: In plain sight: Recognizing and responding to human trafficking issues in schools
Brian C. Moore, board member, East Palestine City and Columbiana County Career & Technical Center; Daniel Haueter, detective, East Palestine Police Department and Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force; and Amy Bordonaro, executive director, Free Three

Human trafficking is a global problem in which individuals are exploited for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Learn more about complex issue and delve into the connection between human trafficking and drug abuse, the heightened vulnerability of juveniles and the critical role schools and education can play in prevention, identification and support of potential and actual victims.

Location Polaris Ballroom E

1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3D: Staying on track: Navigating First Amendment Audits
Sara C. Clark, chief legal counsel, OSBA, and Thom Fladung, managing partner, Hennes Communications

In recent years, First Amendment audits--where individuals record in public spaces to test and assert their right to do so under the First Amendment--have become increasingly common. Explore how to handle these encounters professionally while maintaining security, minimizing disruption and upholding constitutional rights. Don't get left at the starting gate--join us to ensure your policies and practices are race-day ready!

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

2:30 p.m.
Networking Break
2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4D: Show me the money!
Cajon Keeton, treasurer, Benton Carroll Salem Local (Ottawa)

Pull back the curtain on school funding! Get a clear view of school funding by exploring the state budget, including key school funding proposals. Dive into the details of millage, review various revenue sources and explore how changes to property taxes could affect your district’s finances.

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4F: Navigating challenges as a team
Quinn Maceyko, board and management consultant, OSBA

Stranded at sea with limited resources, your team must work together to survive, strategize and, ultimately, find a way to safety. This immersive, high-energy team-building exercise challenges participants to collaborate under pressure, think creatively and communicate effectively. As you navigate the unpredictable waters of teamwork, you’ll discover the power of leadership, trust and adaptability. Will your crew sink or sail? Join us for this exciting adventure and put your teamwork to the test!

Location: Polaris Ballroom F

2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4E: Key issues at the Statehouse
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services; Nicole Piscitani, deputy director of legislative services; and Malania Birney, legislative consultant, OSBA

Guided by the OSBA Legislative Platform — crafted and approved by OSBA-member school districts — our advocacy team works with legislators to champion policies that support student success in public schools. Hear an update on recent Statehouse activity, including the biennial budget and key education-related bills pending in the Ohio General Assembly.

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

3:45 p.m.
Afternoon Reception
Generously hosted by Frontline Education

Join us to network with fellow boardmembers, chat with OSBA staff, and discuss with friends what you learned today.

Menu: TBA

If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let Scott Clay know sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Location: Polaris Ballroom Foyer

4:30 p.m.
Adjournment

We will see you back tomorrow for day 2

Saturday May 3, 2025

8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and networking

Please let Scott Clay know if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions. sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Menu: TBA

Location Polaris Ballroom ABC

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5D: Federal advocacy 101: What it is, why it matters for local school boards and how you can get involved
Julie Feasel, director of communictions, COSSBA

Local school boards are vital for shaping education, but federal policies influence funding and regulations. Explore how federal decisions impact your district and why you must engage in advocacy to ensure your communities’ needs are represented. Learn how the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) is your partner in navigating federal policy and how you can amplify your voice in Washington, D.C.

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5F: A community in conflict
Tina Zickefoose, board president, West Holmes Local (Holmes) and Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, and Kristine Robbins, director of board and management services, OSBA

Discover how one district navigated challenging community dynamics to emerged stronger on the other side. An OSBA consultant shares practical techniques boards can use to calm the waters.

Location: Polaris Ballroom F

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5E: From cellphones to student discipline: The latest policy trends
Kenna S. Haycox, deputy director of board and management services, and Julie Towns and Gamy Narvaez, policy consultants, OSBA

School board policies must adapt to an ever-changing education landscape. This session will dive into key policy topics - student cellphone use, religious instruction, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, student discipline and more. Join OSBA policy experts for an engaging discussion on the challenges and opportunities these issues present for school boards today.

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6D: Student reps on school board
Greta Walraven, student board member, and Heidi Kegley, superintendent, Delaware City; and Teri Morgan, senior deputy director of board and management services, OSBA

Student representatives on the school board connect board members to those they serve, highlighting student experiences, sharing issues that are important to the student body and offering opportunities for student feedback on policies, plans and decisions. Review the impact this role has had on one Ohio school district.

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6 F: Racing toward success: School boards engaging the community
Ana Chapman, board president, Berea City

Gallop into the critical role school boards play in forging meaningful connections with the community. Like jockeys and trainers working in harmony, the collaboration between school boards and communities is essential to drive student achievement and ensure district success. Together, let’s cross the finish line for the betterment of students!

Location: Polaris Ballroom F

10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6E: Meetings in the winner's circle: Best practices to avoid pitfalls
Sara C. Clark, chief legal counsel; Jennifer A. Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services; and John Price, staff attorney, OSBA

OSBA attorneys discuss areas where boards face challenges in their meeting practices. Review new case law developments and learn strategies to meet legal requirements such as the Open Meetings Act and the First Amendment.

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

11:30 a.m.
Closing Luncheon and Keynote The legacy of leadership – Planting seeds that shape the future
Kyle A. Greene, The Mentality Changer

Just announced! 

In today’s ever-changing educational landscape, school board members face immense challenges — balancing leadership stress, shaping school culture, making tough decisions and often navigating criticism. Through powerful storytelling and impactful analogies, Kyle A. Greene illustrates how board members are the rootstock of the education system, laying the foundation for students, teachers and communities to thrive.

Brought to you by: Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio

Menu:TBA

Location: Polaris Ballroom ABC

1 p.m.
Adjournment

We look forward to seeing you next year!