OSBA Today is the official podcast network of the Ohio School Boards Association, bringing together conversations on the issues, ideas and stories impacting public education across Ohio. From legal and legislative updates to leadership discussions and district success stories, OSBA Today features school board members, superintendents, treasurers, education leaders and subject-matter experts from around the state. The network includes five original shows: Leading the Way — Conversations on…
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Public comment gives parents and community members an opportunity to speak directly to their elected school board. But what happens when comments become contentious, or the audience becomes disruptive? OSBA attorneys Sara Clark and Jennie Hardin discuss the legal boundaries surrounding public comment at school board meetings, including limited public forums, First Amendment protections and the…
What is an educational service center, and what does it do for Ohio’s public schools? OSBA President Mary Cleveland sits down with Hamilton County Educational Service Center board member Bill Ferguson to unpack the role ESCs play in supporting school districts across Ohio. Ferguson explains how ESCs provide shared services ranging from special education and professional development to interim…
Amber Ballard saw a problem affecting students with disabilities and decided not to accept that nothing could be done. The Norwood City Schools board member worked with district leaders and OSBA’s legislative team to develop a proposal that ultimately became part of Ohio law. She joins OSBA President Mary Cleveland to explain why students receiving services beyond their traditional graduation year…
Hiring decisions begin with student safety. In this episode, OSBA attorneys Dustin Koslen and Jennifer Hardin explain Ohio's employee background check requirements, absolute bar offenses, rehabilitation provisions and what school districts should consider before hiring applicants with past criminal convictions. They also preview updated OSBA legal fact sheets and the upcoming Attendance, Tuition…
Many school board members are also active in booster clubs, PTOs, alumni associations and other organizations that support their schools. But when does volunteer service begin to overlap with board responsibilities? In this episode of Leading the Way , OSBA board consultants Teri Morgan and Quinn Maceyko discuss how board members can stay involved while maintaining strong governance. They explore…
What happens when a bill about school psychologists suddenly becomes the vehicle for some of the most debated education proposals at the Statehouse? That's just one example of the fast-moving legislative action that unfolded before the Ohio General Assembly recessed for the summer. In this episode, OSBA's Jennifer Hogue, Nicole Piscitani and Malania Birney unpack the major education bills now…
What role do school levies play in supporting public education? In this episode of Report to the Office, host Mary Cleveland welcomes community advocate Tracey Artis for a conversation about school funding, community involvement and the importance of staying informed. Together, they discuss: • How school levies affect local communities • The relationship between public schools and community…
Can a state require every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments? Federal courts are currently answering that question in different ways, and the disagreement could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. In this episode of Legal Ledger Sidebar, OSBA attorneys Sara Clark and Jennie Hardin break down recent court decisions from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas involving laws…
Conflict is unavoidable in school leadership, but how leaders respond to it can shape the culture and effectiveness of an entire district. In this episode of the OSBA Forum, host Mark Bobo talks with Sara Clark and Kristi Robbins about the challenges school boards and district leaders face regarding conflict, communication and governance. The conversation explores: Why conflict is increasing in…
Property taxes, levies, millage and school funding can be confusing, but they affect every community. In this episode of Report to the Office, OSBA President Mary Cleveland talks with Princeton City Schools Treasurer Christine Poetter about how school districts are funded, why local taxpayers are being asked to carry more of the load, and how those dollars support students, staff, buildings and…
Social media gives school board members a direct way to connect with their communities, but it can also create legal, governance and communication challenges if it’s not handled carefully. In this episode of Leading the Way , OSBA consultants Kristi Robbins and Quinn Maceyko discuss where board members often get tripped up online and how to avoid creating problems for yourself or your board. The…
AI is moving fast, and Ohio schools now have a July 1 deadline to have a policy in place. So what should districts actually be doing right now? In this Legal Ledger Sidebar, OSBA policy consultant Gamy Narvaez breaks down the steps schools can take now, what matters most in an AI policy and the biggest legal risks to watch. If your district hasn’t started yet, this is a good place to begin. 00:00…