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.

A negotiated rate with Holiday Inn & Suites Cincinnati Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45245 of $99.00 per night has been created for attendees who would like to stay the night for the conference.
Reservations may be made by calling (513)-752-4400.

Registration for this event by Friday Jan. 16, 2026. Cancelations must be made by Monday Jan. 19, 2026 to receive a refund. Please contact Scott Clay at sclay@ohioschoolboards.org with questions regarding registration or cancellations for this event.

Saturday January 24, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

Continental Breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, assorted bagels and cream cheese, hot fresh baked cinnamon rolls, coffee hot tea and assorted fresh juices.

9 a.m.
Welcome
Quinn Maceyko, board and management services, consultant OSBA
9:10 a.m.
Discovering your association and region
Angela Penquite, deputy director of communications and member services, Mark Ewing, 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
Quinn Maceyko, board and management services, consultant 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
Nicole Piscitani, deputy 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: Grilled Chicken Marsala served in a redwine demiglace with mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables garden salad, rolls & butter, assorted desert bars served with fresh coffee and iced tea.

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)
Nicole Piscitani, deputy 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
Quinn Maceyko, board and management services, consultant OSBA

 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

Fresh baked cookies and brownies, individual bags of chips and pretzels served with assorted sodas and bottled water

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: Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Assorted Pastries, Biscuits and Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, Coffee, Hot Tea and Assorted 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
Quinn Maceyko, board and management services, consultant 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
Kenna Haycox, deputy director policy services, 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: Taco Buffet with Tortilla Soup, Beef Tacos, Grilled Talapia with lemon, Cliantro Lime Rice, Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Guacamole, Cheesecake with fresh berry sauce, and Chocolate Cake, Iced Tea and Coffee.

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
Sara Clark, chief legal counsel, 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
Sara Clark, chief legal counsel, 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