Publications

Provides a basic understanding of board presidents’ responsibilities and relationships with board members and the administrative staff. 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.

A quick reference manual covering a multitude of areas. An essential book for all board members. Included in the OSBA Boardmanship Series. Edited by OSBA staff members.

This publication covers three primary topics: Ohio’s attendance laws, open enrollment and payment of tuition. While the basic attendance rules are fairly straightforward, the number of exceptions to the rules increases each year. The guide will help you determine whether a student is entitled to attend in your school district, what type of documentation you need to have and whether any special steps must be taken. It deals with students of divorced parents, students whose custody is in doubt, adult students and special education. Written in a question-and-answer format, this publication is a valuable addition to your legal library.

A “survival kit” for all new board members. Includes these publications: Boardmanship, Board-Legislature Partnership, Board-Superintendent Partnership, Board-Treasurer Partnership, Board Officers' Guidebook and Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance.

An essential guide for school trustees and superintendents dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their districts. The authors provide useful tools and techniques to improve local governance culture, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among board members, district leaders and school staff to support the success and well-being of every student.

This updated edition is now structured around three pillars - Governance Mindset, Governance Culture, and Governance Infrastructure - providing a comprehensive framework addressing the core principles and responsibilities of effective school governance.

Additional features include:
-Practical strategies for fostering collaboration, onboarding new trustees, and leading transformative change in a school district
-New real-world examples of effective board governance
-Board planning calendar and self-evaluation tools
-New "Suggestions for Implementation" section to support the application of lessons from the book.

REVISED 2024. Written by special education attorney Susan E. Geary, this newly revised book provides an overview of Ohio's special education laws and addresses crucial topics, including IEPs, placement options and discipline protocols.

"School Boarding" is an art. Boards have their own purpose, means, personality, process and protocol. Learn the basics of this particular boardmanship and school governance, and the role of the board, its members and the administration. This book explains ethical expectations, a specific code of conduct and how the board handles community concerns and builds relationships. Dozens of case studies also provide examples and insight from veteran board members and administrators. The common sense of these straightforward, jargon-free pages explains what present or future board members must know.