As America marks 250 years of democracy, the role of local leadership has never been more important. For generations, school board members have shaped communities and brighter futures for Ohio’s public school students. The OSBA Board Leadership Institute supports your leadership, equipping you with the information and resources needed to govern effectively, navigate complex challenges and help ensure every student’s success.

Join fellow board members for a two-day training filled with insights and strategies needed to lead your district to educational excellence. Register now to broaden your expertise, sharpen your leadership and tackle your district's challenges head-on.
Developed by board members for board members, this event features learning sessions tailored to you. Whether you're a new board member in your first term or a seasoned veteran, you'll benefit from hearing the latest on finances, legislation, school law, board development, student achievement and other critical topics.

Event Registration Closes at noon on Friday May 1, 2026.
All Cancellations for refunds must be requested by noon on Friday May 1, 2026.

Board Leadership Institute will be held at:
Hilton Columbus Polaris
8700 Lyra Drive
Columbus OH 43240
614-885-1600

A discounted rate of $181.00 has been negotiated for our out of town guests. To make reservations, use this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/cmhpohf-95h-abfadd85-76fe-4b3e-91e8-cacba1eccb86/

Reservations must be made by April 15, 2026 to secure the negotiated rate of $181.00 per night. Rooms available on a first come first serve basis and do sell out. Any questions please contact Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Thank you to our sponsors:

Saturday May 3, 2025

1 p.m.
Adjournment

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Thursday May 8, 2025

4:30 p.m.
Adjournment Day 1

We will see you back tomorrow for day 2

Friday May 8, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration Opens and Breakfast

Breakfast Menu: TBD

Please let Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, know if you have any special dietary needs to insure there is a meal available for you 

8:45 a.m.
Welcome

Polaris Ballroom ABC

9 a.m.
Opening Keynote Address

TBD

Polaris ABC

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1 D: Reading reimagined through student-led AI
Lester McCurdy, teacher, and Kenzie Bice, Addison Lahmers, Sofie Paugh, Sophia Bluck, Keira Schrock, Bridget Kobel and Autumn Joyce, students, Ridgewood Local’s AI for Youth class 

Discover how Ridgewood Local (Coshocton) high school students designed and built an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported literacy platform, Reading Reimagined, to address reading engagement and comprehension challenges. Learn how empowering students to lead AI innovation can strengthen literacy, develop career-ready skills and model responsible, ethical AI use in schools. 

Location Polaris Ballroom D

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1E: Democracy in action: ‘6-7’ weeks of the Ohio legislature 
Jennifer Hogue, director of legislative services, and Nicole Piscatani, deputy director of legislative services, OSBA 

The next few weeks will be a busy time at the Ohio Statehouse. Learn what issues could move and how board members can get involved to advocate for their schools. 

 

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 1F: Ensuring opportunities for military-connected students 
Pete LuPiba, commissioner, Ohio MiC3 

 

Ohio leads the nation in military-connected schools, communities, districts and programming. More than 700 schools have been recognized with the Purple Star Award, highlighting their commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military, while the state’s Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MiC3) addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families. Hear how your district can provide stability and support to these students and families.  

 

Location Polaris Ballroom F

11:15 a.m.
Breakout Session 2F: Brain + eyes = keys to supercharging learning 
Bradley Jacobs, neural rehabilitation therapist, Neuro Visual Institute, Cincinnati
 

Explore how vision enhances student performance when the brain is added to traditional vision screenings. Neuro-visual training (NVT) are brain and eye exercises designed to improve everyday function and elite sport performance. By employing NVT, educators can improve visual function and academic outcomes. Review fun, interactive activities to integrate vision care into school programming.

Location: Polaris Ballroom F

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2D: Policy in action: Tools every board member needs
Kenna S. Haycox, deputy director of board and management services, OSBA

 *New Board Member Focus 

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

 Note: This session was offered at Election to Action earlier this year; particularly relevant to new board members who missed that session. 

Location: Polaris Ballroom D

11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2E: Painting your district’s financial picture 
Cajon Keeton, treasurer, Benton-Carroll-Salem Local (Ottawa); and Jeffrey J. Dornbusch, treasurer, Port Clinton City  
 

Effective school funding strategies include one essential component: Ensuring your community understands how the funding is being collected and used. District treasurers share resources and data so you can help your school district paint a clear financial picture for the public.  

 

Location: Polaris Ballroom E

12:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Sedgwick
 

Please contact Scott Clay if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Menu: TBA
Location Polaris Ballrooms ABC

3:45 p.m.
Afternoon Reception
Generously hosted by Frontline Education

Join us to network with fellow boardmembers, chat with OSBA staff, and discuss with friends what you learned today.

Menu: TBA

If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let Scott Clay know sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Location: Polaris Ballroom Foyer