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.

Please note: this is a special 1 day condensed workshop. It will be held in partnership with Vinton County Schools, location TBD

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

Saturday February 7, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

Continental Breakfast Selections, Coffee and assorted Soft Drinks will be provided

8:30 a.m.
Welcome
Teri Morgan, senior deputy director board and management services, OSBA
8:45 a.m.
Discovering Your Association and Region
Mark Bobo, director of communications and member services, Debbie West, 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.

9:15 a.m.
Stepping into Service
Teri Morgan, senior deputy director board and management services, OSBA

After taking your oath of office and a seat at the table, learn about the board’s role and responsibilities, governance, meeting management and operating protocols.

10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Follow the Money: What Every School Board Member Should Know About Funding
Malania Birney, lobbyist, OSBA

This session breaks down the full picture of school funding, from state formulas to local revenue and property taxes. School board members will gain a clear, jargon-free understanding of where dollars come from, why funding varies across districts, and what levers they can use to advocate for sustainable, equitable resources.

11:15 a.m.
From Idea to Impact: How a Bill Becomes a Law (and How You Can Shape It)
Malania Birney, lobbyist, OSBA

Go beyond Schoolhouse Rock. In this session, school board members will get a clear, practical walkthrough of the legislative process—and learn where their voices matter most. From building relationships with lawmakers to testifying with confidence, you’ll leave with concrete strategies to influence policy that affects your students and schools.

12 p.m.
Lunch

please contact Scott Clay sclay@ohioschoolboards.org to let us know of any dietary restrictions you may have to insure we have a meal for you.

MENU TBA

12:45 p.m.
Policy in Action: Tools Every New Board Member Needs
Gamy, Navaez, policy consultant, OSBA

Policy is one of the most powerful tools a school board has — but only when it’s used effectively. Join OSBA's policy experts for an engaging, interactive session that demystifies the world of board policy and gives you the confidence to lead from day one. You’ll learn how policies are developed, where your role ends and your administration’s role begins, and how to ensure that your board policies are clear and effective. Through real-world scenarios and practical examples, you’ll also discover when adopting a new policy can help... and when it can create more problems than it solves.

1:45 p.m.
Break
2 p.m.
School Law Essentials: Rules, Risks and Realities
Jennifer Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services, OSBA

Serving on a board of education comes with important legal responsibilities which means new board members have a lot to learn early on. Join OSBA’s legal division for a review of the key rules governing ethics, open meetings, public records and parliamentary procedure while highlighting common risks and real-world situations new board members often encounter. Through practical examples, you will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to contribute effectively and responsibly in your new role.

3:45 p.m.
Adjournment