We’re excited to announce a revamped communication product that is free with your OSBA membership. Beginning in 2024, all OSBA members will receive a revitalized OSBA Update e-newsletter twice a month that will allow us to share timely news articles, details on OSBA and regional activities, blog posts, podcasts and videos in addition to sections previously shared through the OSBA Briefcase, which is being discontinued at the end of 2023. Items such as the Bulletin Board announcements, professional development opportunities and legislative information that previously were shared through the Briefcase print and electronic newsletters will now be incorporated into the OSBA Update and delivered to your inbox twice a month.
Below are some FAQs.
Why is OSBA changing these publications?
An audit of all OSBA’s communications to members included a survey in which members shared they were overwhelmed by the communications they receive from OSBA and elsewhere. In surveys, members routinely indicate they prefer that information be emailed to them. Likewise, recent surveys have shown that email is members’ preferred communication method, and 89% of Briefcase subscribers — more than 5,800 readers — access it electronically.
The communication audit suggested consolidating some of the newsletters and emails into one electronic newsletter to reduce the number of emails sent to members. It also recommended including interactive features, such as videos. By joining the best elements of the Briefcase with the timeliness of the OSBA Update e-newsletter, we can ensure members receive information and news they can use in an engaging format.
Will I have to pay for the OSBA Update e-newsletter?
No. This e-newsletter is free with your OSBA membership.
Will I see updates on district changes, information on upcoming professional development and legislative updates?
Yes! The OSBA Update email will include a bulletin board of administrative change and searches along with article summaries, advertisements and useful links that readers can click to read more about items that interest them. It also will include the comings and goings and current executive search opportunities.
I loved getting the OSBA Briefcase. Why is it being discontinued?
Thanks for supporting and reading the OSBA Briefcase! We also loved the publication, but acknowledge its limits, including its dependence on the postal system. Another limitation was that the electronic version was often blocked by servers, so it was unavailable to members. With the print/PDF version of the Briefcase, we also couldn’t connect members to OSBA’s other electronic communications, including the Legal Ledger blog and Achievement Matters blog, which share valuable information on legal issues and student achievement. The production/print schedule of the Briefcase often meant that information in the publication was outdated by the time you received it. Now we will be able to share those resources with members through the OSBA Update e-newsletter, providing you with timely information when you need it.
Feel free to contact Jeff Chambers at (614) 540-4000 or jchambers@ohioschoolboards.org with further questions.