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 Findlay Inn and Conference Center 200 East Main Cross Road Findlay OH 45840 reservations may be made by calling (419)-422-5682.

Registration for this event by Friday Jan. 23, 2026. Cancelations must be made by Monday Jan. 26, 2026 to receive a refund. Please contact Scott Clay at sclay@ohioschoolboards.org with questions regarding registration or cancellations for this event.

Saturday January 31, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
9 a.m.
Welcome
9:10 a.m.
Discovering your association and region

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

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

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: TBA

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)

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 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 February 1, 2026

8 a.m.
Breakfast

Menu: TBA

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

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

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: TBA

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

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

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