OSBA's STAR Awards program highlights school board members' commitment and service to Ohio's students. Four awards comprise the program: service, training, aptitude and recognition.

Service: Points for the Service Award accrue from local school board, district, region and state leadership, including service on OSBA committees and local board offices and committees. The Service Award requires 150 points to be earned within a three-year period. This award does not require an application; the board member will be notified when he or she has earned the requisite points.

Training: Points for the Training Award are earned from professional development events and activities delivered by OSBA and other groups and associations. The Training Award requires 200 points earned over a three-year period. This award does not require an application; the board member will be notified when he or she has earned the requisite points.

Aptitude: A new category, the Aptitude Award, requires a board member to demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of a variety of board governance skills based on six leadership areas: vision, accountability, policy, community engagement, relationships and advocacy. To receive this award, board members must receive an 80% passing score on an online assessment. The assessment will be offered in June and July and may be taken multiple times by a board member who does not receive an 80% score and wants to try again during the annual assessment period.

Recognition: A board member may be nominated for the Recognition Award by his or her own school board by a majority vote of the board. This award replaces the previous Outstanding Board Member Award and honors board members most dedicated to the craft of being a model board member.