Whether you’re a new board member, or a seasoned veteran, you’ll benefit from hearing the latest in legislation, board development, student achievement and other critical topics.

Board Leadership Institute will broaden your expertise, sharpen your leadership skills and better equip you to tackle the challenges facing your district.

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.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Sedgwick
Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio

Event Registration Closes at 12 pm noon on Monday April 24th, 2023.
All Cancellations for refunds must be made by 12 pm noon on Monday April 24th, 2023.
Hotel Room Cancellations must be made with the hotel directly and are subject to their terms of service.

Friday April 28, 2023

8 a.m.
Registration & Breakast
Registration

Polaris Foyer

Seating available in Polaris Ballroom ABC

**Please let an OSBA Team member if you require a special dietary meal or have a food allergy, so accommodations can be made to insure your meals are prepared in advance.

9:10 a.m.
Welcome & Announcements
OSBA Leadership Team

Welcome!

General Sessions will take place. in Polaris Ballrooms ABC

9:30 a.m.
Opening General Session
Dr. Kathy McFarland, deputy chief executive officer, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom ABC:
Join Dr. Kathy McFarland, former Division I athlete, teacher, principal and mother of three, while she shares her insight on why your position in public education is imperative to the success of students. She will provide practical takeaways that you can implement immediately to make you a better leader.  

10:15 a.m.
Networking Break

Polaris Foyer - Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea Available

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 1: Understanding and appreciating the district’s five-year forecast
Ernie Strawser, senior advisor, Analytics, Frontline Education

Polaris Ballroom E:  Learn more about the importance of the five-year forecast as a critical tool for your district’s budget and financial health, and review ways to use this information in decision-making.

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 1: Crisis Communications: Be strategic, prepared and calm in the storm!
Krista Davis, chief communications officer, Olentangy Local (Delaware)

Polaris Ballroom D: “Winging it” is not a successful crisis communication strategy. While a crisis may not be predictable, the way your community and the media respond can be anticipated. Join us to discuss tips, tricks and best practices.

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 1 Get to know OSBA’s committee and governance structure
Mark E. Bobo, senior membership engagement consultant, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom F: In this session, we'll discuss answers to questions like, “How is OSBA’s legislative platform created?” “How can I get on that one committee?” or “How can I become an OSBA trustee?”

11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 2: Board member bingo: Let's 'spell out' solutions to continuing conundrums
Cheryl W. Ryan, director of board and management services, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom E: Board work is definitely rewarding and difficult. Play along with us as we discuss a few of the current challenges boards may be facing.

11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 2: What would Ted Lasso do?
Dr. William D. Waidelich, CAE, board and management services consultant, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom D: This session will reveal some of Lasso’s best life lessons, explaining how they can help you as a school board member.

11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 2: Ohio auditor of state update
Robert Hinkle, deputy auditor of state, Ohio Auditor of State's Office

Polaris Ballroom F: Review recently released tax levy guidance and common audit issues and recent findings.

12:30 p.m.
Lunch

Polaris Foyer - Buffet

Menu: Italian Flavors Buffet
Caprese Salad 
Caesar Salad
Lightly Breaded Chicken Picatta
Penne Rigate with Italian Sausage and Spinach
Sauteed Haricot Vert
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Italian Cream Cake
Iced Tea & Water
Coffee by Request

Seating in Polaris Ballroom ABC

1:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 3 It's all about culture
Dr. Kathy McFarland, deputy chief executive, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom F: What does it "culture eats strategy for breakfast" mean? Simply put, it means that no matter how well-designed your strategic plan is, it will fall flat unless your team shares the appropriate culture. At the end of the day, the people who implement the plan matter. Learn strategies that help build the appropriate culture for educational leadership in the 21st century.

1:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 3: Do you have what it takes? Nurturing effective family engagement
Kim Miller-Smith, senior student achievement consultant, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom E: Family engagement may be the most misunderstood concept in public education. It's easy to understand why authentic family engagement is so elusive — best practices were not defined, educators receive little training, and families are often not up to the challenge. Recently, the National Association of Family, School and Community Engagement released a unifying set of professional competencies. Explore best practices, and see if your district has what it takes.

1:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 3: Legal quick hits: What you need to know
Sara C. Clark, chief legal counsel; Jennifer A. Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services; and John Price, staff attorney, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom D: Review hot legal topics impacting public education. Learn how these issues may impact your district, and leave with practical tips for compliance. 

2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 4: Blended engagement: Creating opportunities for collaboration
Natasha Adams, superintendent, and Daniel M. Romano III, treasurer, West Clermont Local (Clermont)

Polaris Ballroom D: Now, more than ever, it’s critical that districts engage partners within the community. Attend this empowering session that introduces a blended engagement approach, focusing on an authentic, inclusive process that meets community members where they are and in the manner they desire. These methods allow community participants to work collaboratively to create both the vision and the means to achieve the vision.

2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 4: To teach is to lead
Dr. James Mahoney, educator, entrepreneur and author

Polaris Ballroom E: Join the author of the book, "To Teach is to Lead," an OSBA Book Club selection, to discuss why teachers are among our districts’ most critical and successful leaders, and gain strategies to improve your own board leadership.

2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session 4: Let’s hear from the Fair School Funding Workgroup
Dr. Michael P. Hanlon Jr., superintendent, Chardon Local (Geauga); and Thomas L. Hosler II, superintendent, Perrysburg EV

Polaris Ballroom F: This session will provide participants with a basic overview of Ohio's Fair School Funding Plan and important updates on the current legislative process related to school funding.

3:30 p.m.
Networking Sessions

Meet the Board Leadership Institute's Speakers, Thought Leaders, Fellow Attendees and members of the OSBA Team  during a Networking Session with hosted refreshments and lite appetizers

Location: Polaris Ballroom Foyer 

4:30 p.m.
Day 1 Adjournment

Adjournment for the day

Saturday April 29, 2023

8:30 a.m.
Breakfast

Located in Polaris Foyer 

Seating in Polaris ABC

9:15 a.m.
Concurrent Session 5: Working with people that can make things difficult
Kristine Robbins, board and management services consultant, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom D: Learn a few proven techniques to bring out some of the best in people who can sometimes be at their worst.

9:15 a.m.
Concurrent Session 5:Unique student needs through a board policy lens
Kenna S. Haycox, senior policy consultant, and Gamy Narvaez, policy consultant, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom F: Hear updates on key policies affecting the unique needs of some students in your district, including considerations for vulnerable youth, parent and family involvement and hazing and bullying. Gain an understanding of requirements and best practices in these areas and how to review local policies and procedures to ensure unique student needs are being met. 

9:15 a.m.
Concurrent Session 5: Job development for student with special learning differences
Diane Xander, executive director career development, and Mike Rhamy, director of pupil personnel, Polaris Career Center

Polaris Ballroom E: Discover Polaris Career Center’s new job development program, which focuses on providing exclusive opportunities for competitive employment to students with unique learning differences and developing long-lasting industry and business partnerships.

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 6: Lost in paradise?
Teri Morgan, senior deputy director of board and management services, OSBA

Polaris Ballroom E: Experiencing conflicts among the board, the leadership team or your community? This session includes suggestions to bring you back to true paradise and your real focus — the students.

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 6: Everything you always wanted to Know about working with OFCC
Holly McLean, chief operating officer, and Matthew Westerman, general counsel, MCS & Associates Ltd.

Polaris Ballroom D: This session will provide you with all the information you need regarding Classroom Facilities Assistance Programs (CFAPs) or Expedited Local Partnership Programs (ELPPs) projects in partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).

10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Session 6: The positive effect of success coaches on student behavior
Brent May, superintendent; Kortney Milford, principal; Katelyn Fraizer and Amy Schuster, success coaches; and Brett Niarchos, deputy principal, Plain Local

Polaris Ballroom F: Learn about the strategic hiring practice and the implementation of success coaches and how it has changed the culture in the Plain Local (Stark) Schools.

11:30 a.m.
Luncheon

In our effort to provide the latest information, this presentation will be available beginning Friday, April 28.

Served Luncheon with Seating In Polaris Ballroom ABC

Menu:
Mixed Green Salad with Ranch & House Vinaigrette Dressings
Romano Crusted Chicken with a Roasted Mornay Sauce
Wild Rice Pilaf
Seasonal Vegetables
Mocha Mousse Cake or Cherry Cheesecake
Iced Tea & Water
Coffee & Hot Tea Available upon request



12 p.m.
Closing Address: Key Issues at the Statehouse
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services, and Nicole Piscitani, lobbyist, OSBA

Polaris ABC: OSBA's legislative division reviews the recent activity at the Statehouse. Topics to be discussed include the biennial budget and important education-related bills that are pending or have passed in the Ohio General Assembly.


1 p.m.
Board Leadership Institute Adjournment