Due to the approaching winter storm, OSBA has canceled this weekend’s Election to Action workshops in Cincinnati and Cleveland. We are offering the following options for board members to complete this highly recommended professional development:

In-person regional workshops (space permitting)
Northwest Region Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 Findlay Inn, Findlay, Ohio
Southeast Region Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 Vinton County High School, McArthur, Ohio (One-day condensed workshop)

Virtual workshop Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 Live-streamed from OSBA offices in Columbus Recorded and available to view for up to one year

OSBA Events Manager Scott Clay can update your registration. He can be reached at (614) 540-4000 or sclay@ohioschoolboards.org. Be safe this weekend. We look forward to working with you as you begin your role as a school board member.

You’ve taken the first step toward serving as one of your district’s key leaders. Now it’s time to build the skills and confidence to lead effectively from day one.

Strong school board leadership — especially in today’s climate — requires the ability to collaborate, support district policy, govern ethically and professionally and set a positive example for other civic and community groups.

Join experienced OSBA staff for a weekend workshop designed to flatten the learning curve for new board members. The program will cover essential topics such as governance, legal parameters, parliamentary procedure, meeting and policy management, legislative understanding, district advocacy and school finance. Throughout the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, network with other new board members and learn more about the many resources OSBA provides to support districts and their leaders.

The workshop will be held at the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, located at 1380 East Sixth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. A special conference rate of $150 per night has been arranged for attendees who wish to stay overnight. Reservations can be made by calling (800)-325-0720.

Registration for this event must be completed by Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Cancellations must be received by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, to qualify for a refund. For questions regarding registration or cancellations, please contact Scott Clay at sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Saturday January 24, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

Board of Education Buffet Muffins and Danish    Fresh Fruit and Berries    Scrambled Eggs    Breakfast Potatoes    Bacon     Sausage Links    Coffee    Bottled Juices 

9 a.m.
Welcome
Kristi Robbins, director of board and management services, OSBA
9:10 a.m.
Discovering your association and region
Scott Gerfen, deputy director of communication services, Reno Contipelli, region manager, OSBA

Gain a clearer understanding of the people, purpose and possibilities that shape your OSBA experience. This session is designed to help participants explore the association’s mission, learn how each region supports its districts and identify opportunities to engage with the association.

9:45 a.m.
Stepping into service
Kristi Robbins, director of board and management services, OSBA

After taking your oath of office and your seat at the table, learn about a board’s core responsibilities, governance structure, boardsuperintendent roles, meeting operations and protocols that support effective leadership.

10:45 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.
Follow the money: What every school board member should know about funding
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services, OSBA

This session explains how school funding works — from state formulas to local property taxes and revenue sources. Understand where dollars come from, how funding varies across districts and what levers board members can use to advocate for sustainable, equitable resources.

12 p.m.
Lunch

Menu: Lemon Wine Chicken    Roasted Redskin Potatoes    French Green Beans    California Salad    Roll and Butter  Assorted Sodas and Bottled Water

Please inform Scott Clay , sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, of any dietary accommodations or requests you have to insure there is a meal for you.

12:45 p.m.
From idea to impact: How a bill becomes a law (and how you can shape it)
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services, OSBA

Go beyond “Schoolhouse Rock” with a practical walk-through of the legislative process. Learn how bills move, when public input matters, how to build relationships with lawmakers and how to testify effectively. You will leave with concrete strategies to influence policies affecting students and schools.

1:45 p.m.
Charting the course
Kristi Robbins, director of board and member services

Onboarding to a board of education brings a steep learning curve. This session highlights key documents — including strategic plans — that new board members should review to align decisions with district goals.

2:15 p.m.
Break
2:30 p.m.
Ask a school board veteran

Join a panel of experienced board members from your OSBA region. Hear what they wish they knew early on, lessons learned in governance and practical advice for building effective relationships, managing conflict and staying focused on student outcomes.

Sunday January 25, 2026

8 a.m.
Breakfast

Menu: French Connection Buffet  Muffins and Danish    Cinnamon Swirl French Toast with Maple Syrup    Berries    Bacon     Coffee    Bottled Juices 

Please inform Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, of any dietary accommodations or special request to insure a meal is available for you

8:30 a.m.
Rowing in the same direction
Kristi Robbins, director of board and management services, OSBA

Strong governance occurs when boards work collaboratively. Explore communication styles, decision-making practices and consensus-building strategies. The session begins with a teambuilding activity designed to test how well your group can stay afloat — literally and figuratively.

9:30 a.m.
Break
9:45 a.m.
Policy in action: Tools every new board member needs
Gamy Narvaez, policy consultant, OSBA

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

11 a.m.
Lunch

Menu: Buffet Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables    Mashed Potatoes    Carrots    Garden Salad    Roll and Butter Assorted Sodas and Bottled Water

Please contact Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, with any dietary restrictions or accommodations needed to insure there is a meal for you

11:45 a.m.
School law essentials: Rules, risks and realities : Part 1
Jennifer Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services, OSBA

Learn foundational legal requirements related to ethics laws, open meetings, public records and parliamentary procedure. OSBA legal staff will highlight common pitfalls and real-world examples to help new board members make informed, responsible decisions.

1:15 p.m.
Break
1:30 p.m.
School law essentials: Rules, risks and realities : Part 2
Jennifer Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services, OSBA

A continued discussion of legal standards, case examples and best practices that reinforce a board member’s responsibility under Ohio law.

3 p.m.
Adjournment