Week of January 13, 2020
Voucher update
Lawmakers have yet to introduce a plan to revise changes to Ohio’s main voucher program, the Educational Choice (EdChoice) Scholarship Program. Since September 2018, the number of voucher-eligible buildings has ballooned from 255 buildings to 1,227 buildings — a 381% increase. More than 70% of school districts now have a voucher-eligible building. Also, due to changes in the state budget bill, districts are losing millions of dollars due to voucher eligibility changes for private high school students.
Attend the free mental health, SEL summit
Attend the free Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning Summit on Feb. 25 to learn strategies to make a significant impact in children’s lives. You will leave empowered and inspired to make a difference in your community.
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning Summit Resource Fair
Be sure to stop by and visit with the following companies/agencies on hand at the Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning Summit on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
AmeriCorps Mentors for Success
Empowering Ohio students in grades five through 12 to achieve their goals through individualized, school-based mentoring.
(614) 542-4177
www.escco.org
CommunicationPlus - January 2020
Engaging retired staff in schools
Schools lose a valuable resource when staff members retire, but retirement doesn’t have to mean goodbye.
Many retired teachers and administrators return to schools in a different role — as volunteers. It can be a great fit for those who miss interacting with students and want to give back in a meaningful way.
Planning for the year ahead
Welcome to 2020! As you update your calendars for a new year, please remember that OSBA offers many tools and resources to help you keep track of important legal deadlines, upcoming workshops and seminars, and other important dates. These include:
Have your voice heard: Complete the OSBA membership assessment
OSBA members: Watch for an email from Hanover Research with a survey to help us determine future professional development offerings and other products and services to better meet your needs.
Share your board recognition activities
OSBA will highlight district recognitions in the OSBA Journal and on its website. Submit information and photos of your celebrations by Feb. 8.
Week of December 16, 2019
Voucher update
House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) this week told reporters that addressing EdChoice vouchers will be the chamber’s top priority when it returns in January. Any changes made by the legislature to address the exponential growth in eligible buildings must be effective prior to the Feb. 1 voucher application window.
Vital OSBA workshops for new and veteran board members
OSBA hosts workshops for new board members in January and workshops for veteran board members in February. New board of education members are invited to register for one of our four Board Member 101: Survival Kit for Your First 90 Days in Office.