Navigating school finance can be complex, but a solid understanding of the fundamentals is essential for effective board leadership. In this workshop, experts will demystify state and local school funding, explain five-year financial forecasts, and show you how to access and interpret your district’s financial data. You’ll also learn the right questions to ask so you can make informed decisions and confidently guide your district’s financial future.

In this workshop, attendees will:
-Understand how Ohio’s school funding formula works and how state and local funding interact
-Learn how to read and interpret key district financial reports
-Recognize the importance of long-term financial planning and the critical role an appropriate cash balance plays in sustaining district operations

Sessions

Date Title Location
2/26/26 [In-Person] School Finance 101: What districts need to know 8050 N High St Columbus, OH 43235

Thursday February 26, 2026

8:45 a.m.
Registration

BOARDROOM CONTINENTAL

Breakfast basket: Freshly baked assorted pastries such as mini bagels, mini cinnamon rolls, mini muffins, mini danish, cinnamon banana cake, butter, lite cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese & preserves 

fresh tropical fruit salad freshly cubed seasonal fruits like honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple and watermelon

Fresh Coffee, Decaf and Hot Teas,  Bottled Water

9 a.m.
State funding formula — What school board members should know
Aaron Rausch, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Budget and School Funding, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
10:30 a.m.
Break
10:40 a.m.
School funding in Ohio: Past, present and future
Dr. Howard Fleeter, Consultant Ohio Education Policy Institute
12:15 p.m.
Lunch

Bourbon Chicken: tender pieces of flavorful fire grilled boneless chicken thighs simmering in light but tasty bourbon glaze

White rice

Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: tossed garden salad with crispy vegetables 

House-made Tropical Chips: basket filled with chips made from green plantains, sweet potatoes and assorted root vegetables.

Dessert Basket: platter of fresh baked assortment of oatmeal, sugar and semi sweet chocolate chip cookies with our hand baked brownies

Assorted Soda and Bottled Water

Please contact Scott Clay sclay@ohioschoolboards.org if you have any special dietary requests and he will work with the caterer to prepare something for you.

1 p.m.
Local funding and understanding three-year forecasts
Frontline Analytics, powered by Forecast5
1:55 p.m.
Break
2:05 p.m.
Best Practices for Board Members from a Treasurer’s Perspective
Cajon Keeton, Treasurer, Benton Carroll Salem Local
3 p.m.
Adjournment