As America marks 250 years of democracy, the role of local leadership has never been more important. For generations, school board members have shaped communities and brighter futures for Ohio’s public school students. The OSBA Board Leadership Institute supports your leadership, equipping you with the information and resources needed to govern effectively, navigate complex challenges and help ensure every student’s success.

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 May 1, 2026.
All Cancellations for refunds must be requested by noon on Friday May 1, 2026.

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

A discounted rate of $181.00 has been negotiated for our out of town guests. To make reservations, use this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/cmhpohf-95h-abfadd85-76fe-4b3e-91e8-cacba1eccb86/

Reservations must be made by April 15, 2026 to secure the negotiated rate of $181.00 per night. Rooms available on a first come first serve basis and do sell out. Any questions please contact Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Thank you to our sponsors:

Friday May 8, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration Opens and Breakfast

Breakfast Menu: TBD

Please let Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, know if you have any special dietary needs to insure there is a meal available for you 

8:45 a.m.
Welcome

Polaris Ballrooms: ABC

9 a.m.
Opening Keynote Address
Dave Caperton

Good attitude required (cape optional): Making joy your superpower 

You don’t need a title or a cape to make a meaningful difference — but your mindset matters more than you think. In this high-energy session, Dave Caperton shows how small, intentional choices can have an outsized impact on leadership effectiveness, team dynamics and district culture. With humor and heart, get simple, actionable ways to reduce stress, improve communication and bring a more human, positive presence to their role.

Polaris Ballrooms ABC

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1 D: Reading reimagined through student-led AI
Lester McCurdy, teacher, and Kenzie Bice, Addison Lahmers, Sofie Paugh, Sophia Bluck, Keira Schrock, Bridget Kobel and Autumn Joyce, students, Ridgewood Local’s AI for Youth class 

Discover how Ridgewood Local (Coshocton) high school students designed and built an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported literacy platform, “Reading Reimagined,” to address reading engagement and comprehension challenges. Learn how empowering students to lead AI innovation can strengthen literacy, develop career-ready skills and model responsible, ethical AI use in schools. 

Polaris Ballroom D

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1E: Democracy in action: ‘6-7’ weeks of the Ohio legislature 
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services, and Nicole Piscatani, deputy director of legislative services, OSBA 

The next few weeks will be a busy time at the Ohio Statehouse. Learn what issues could move and how board members can get involved to advocate for their schools. 

 

Polaris Ballroom E

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1F: Ensuring opportunities for military-connected students 
Pete LuPiba, commissioner, Ohio MiC3 

 

Ohio leads the nation in military-connected schools, communities, districts and programming. More than 700 schools have been recognized with the Purple Star Award, highlighting their commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military, while the state’s Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MiC3) addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families. Hear how your district can provide stability and support to these students and families.  

 

Polaris Ballroom F

11:15 a.m.
Networking Break
11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2D: Policy in action: Tools every board member needs
Kenna S. Haycox, deputy director of board and management services, OSBA

 *New Board Member Focus 

Policy is one of a board’s strongest leadership tools. In this interactive session, we will clarify how policies are developed, where your authority begins and ends, and how to ensure policies support effective operations. Real-world scenarios will help you determine when a policy is needed — and when it may create unintended challenges.  

Note: This session was offered at From Election to Action earlier this year; particularly relevant to new board members who missed that session. 

Polaris Ballroom D

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2E: Painting your district’s financial picture 
Cajon Keeton, treasurer, Benton-Carroll-Salem Local (Ottawa); and Jeffrey J. Dornbusch, treasurer, Port Clinton City  

Effective school funding strategies include one essential component: Ensuring your community understands how the funding is being collected and used. District treasurers share resources and data so you can help your school district paint a clear financial picture for the public.  

 

Polaris Ballroom E

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2F: Brain + eyes = keys to supercharging learning 
Bradley Jacobs, neural rehabilitation therapist, Neuro Visual Institute, Cincinnati
 

Explore how vision enhances student performance when the brain is added to traditional vision screenings. Neuro-visual training (NVT) are brain and eye exercises designed to improve everyday function and elite sport performance. By employing NVT, educators can improve visual function and academic outcomes. Review fun, interactive activities to integrate vision care into school programming.

Polaris Ballroom F

12:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Sedgwick
 

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

Menu: TBA
Polaris Ballrooms ABC

1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3D: Partners in progress: Leveraging shared resources to foster sustainable community partnerships 
Angela Hamberg, superintendent, Westerville City
 

Explore effective strategies for building and maintaining partnerships that leverage community resources to enhance student success and school initiatives. Discover how to move beyond transactional relationships to create mutually beneficial and sustainable collaborations. 

Polaris Ballroom D
1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3E: Stepping into service: A vision for governance 
Kristine Robbins, director of board and management services, and Shantelle K. Jenkins, board and management services consultant, OSBA
 

*New Board Member Focus 

Learn more about a school board’s core responsibilities, governance structure, board/superintendent roles, meeting operations and protocols that support effective leadership. Step forward and lead with confidence in knowing how best to serve your district. 

Note: This session was offered at From Election to Action earlier this year; particularly relevant to new board members who missed that session. 

Polaris Ballroom E

1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3F: A journey to transparency: Public Records Law Jeopardy 
Erin M. Wessendorf-Wortman and Giselle Spencer, attorneys, Ennis Britton Co. LPA 
 

Learn the essentials of Ohio's Public Records law in a fun, memorable way. Ohio Revised Code 149.43 is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in government, but knowing the rights of the school board and of the requester can be daunting. This interactive, game show-style presentation breaks down the complexities and makes them accessible, memorable and enjoyable. 

Polaris Ballroom F

2:30 p.m.
Networking Break
2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4D: Leading together: Effective board relations
Dr. Kimberly Halley, superintendent; Aaron Schirm, treasurer; and Patty Truex, board member, Circleville City; and Jeff Burrow, Circleville City and Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center 
 

Circleville City’s leadership team shares strategies for respectful and harmonious working relationships among the district’s decision-makers. Discover tips and tricks for cultivating effective board governance, and learn how disagreement and questions can make your district better. 

Polaris Ballroom D

2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4E: The good, bad and ugly of labor negotiations 
Nicole M. Donovsky, Bricker Graydon LLP; and Shelley Groves, superintendent, Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools 
 

Hear the tale of two vastly different negotiation experiences, from a two-day interest-based bargaining success to a 10-month traditional bargaining session that included an eventual agreement — all in the same district and same year. Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools and Bricker Graydon LLP share the legal, board, employee and public relations considerations addressed as they navigated these experience.

Polaris Ballroom E

2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 4F: The dynamic duo: The superintendent-treasurer partnership
Thomas L. Hosler, chief executive officer, OSBA 
 

Every Ohio school district depends on the working relationship between its superintendent and treasurer. While the Ohio Revised Code outlines their responsibilities, the real work happens through collaboration, communication, and shared leadership. Gain insight into how that partnership functions and how it supports effective governance. 

Polaris Ballroom F

 
3:45 p.m.
Networking 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

Polaris Ballroom Foyer

4:30 p.m.
Day 1 Adjournment

Saturday May 9, 2026

8:30 a.m.
Breakfast

Menu: TBD

Please let Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org know of any special dietary requests or needs you may have to insure we have a meal ready for you.

Polaris Ballrooms ABC

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5D: Option 1: School law essentials: Rules, risks and realities 
Sara C. Clark, chief legal counsel, and Jennifer A. Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services, OSBA

  *New Board Member Focus 

Serving on a board of education comes with important legal responsibilities, which means board members, whether new or experienced, have a lot to learn. Review the key rules governing open meetings and parliamentary procedure, and common risks and real-world situations boards often encounter. Through practical examples, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute effectively and responsibly in your role.  

Note: This session was offered at From Election to Action earlier this year; particularly relevant to new board members who missed that session.

Polaris Ballroom D

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5E: Preparing for the next 250: Immersive mock state government program 
Gwen Schroeder-Zulch, director, Buckeye Girls State; and Richard Zulch, past president and trustee, Buckeye Boys State 

The American Legion Buckeye Boys and Girls State are leadership and civic programs in which high school juniors from throughout Ohio gather to create city and state governments. Learn how these week-long events educate students on the duties, rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a representative democracy while exposing them to future leadership opportunities and how your district can engage students in these programs. 

Polaris Ballroom E

9:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 5F: Setting the course for leadership: Preparing student leaders  
 

Discover how Princeton City’s Naval Science program develops students’ self-discipline, confidence, citizenship and leadership skills while preparing them for roles in direct leadership and management situations. The program follows military structures and enforces the district’s code of conduct, encouraging students to function as effective members within a group while building the skills needed to lead teams.

Polaris Ballroom F

10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6D: Bridging the divide: Building relationships beyond party lines 
Malania Birney, legislative services consultant, OSBA  
 

Explore the impact of political polarization on public education policy, and learn practical strategies for depolarizing conversations, identifying shared values, and engaging decision makers with authenticity and empathy. Through an immersive role-playing exercise as fictional state legislators, attendees will practice finding common ground and overcoming communication barriers. 

Polaris Ballroom D

10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6E: Celebrating our roots: Connecting schools, community and America 250-Ohio 
Paul LaRue, State Board of Education president and cochair, America 250-Ohio K-12 Education Committee; and Quinn Maceyko, board and management services consultant, OSBA 
 

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, school districts have a unique opportunity to connect students with local history. Learn how boards can partner with community organizations and use America 250-Ohio resources to bring history to life through lessons, activities and community engagement. 

Polaris Ballroom E

10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 6F: Shaping our district through student voice
Adrienne Bowden, coordinator of engagement and student services, and Alesia Gillison, assistant superintendent, Pickerington Local 

 Empowering students as leaders creates a more inclusive, responsive school community. Pickerington Local (Fairfield) describes the impact of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, where students collaborate with district leadership to share ideas, address concerns and drive change. See how student perspectives influence decision-making and discover ways to foster meaningful engagement. 

Polaris Ballroom F

11:30 a.m.
Closing Luncheon
Mark E. Bobo, director of communication services and member relations, OSBA; and Krista Blum, Colleen Carter, Lauren Costanzo, Terry Gibson and Nina Simpson, board members, Lockland Local (Hamilton)

Leading with integrity, insight and impact: Governance in practice

Effective governance requires more than managing meetings and making motions. It calls for leadership grounded in ethics, shaped by emotional intelligence and demonstrated through intentional board practice. Participants will explore the core principles of leading with integrity, insight and impact while hearing a district-based reflection on how these ideas are applied in real board service. Get practical strategies to strengthen trust, improve board-superintendent relationships and govern with greater confidence in the service of students and communities.

Menu: TBD

Polaris Ballrooms ABC

1 p.m.
Adjournment