OSBA Leading the Way

By July 1, 2025, each school district and community school must adopt a policy governing students' use of cellphones during school hours. OSBA Deputy Director of Board and Management Services Kenna Haycox joins the podcast to discuss the law's key points and what districts should consider in developing a cellphone policy.

In this episode, Darlene Waite and Glenn Corson, with our partners at Vartek, discuss the challenges school districts face with technology at the end of the school year and the steps districts should take to properly shut down and secure technology for the summer. They also share insights about the importance of maintaining and updating technology during the summer months, especially with 1-to-1 device programs becoming more prevalent in schools.

Tune in to learn more and find out how Vartek can help your district develop strategic plans that align with technology purchases and curricular goals.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thom Fladung with Hennes Communications discusses the "First Amendment audits" trend and what schools can do to prepare for them. First Amendment auditors are individuals who go into public buildings, including schools, with video cameras to test their right to access public spaces. While there is some legitimacy to this, the auditors often try to provoke encounters with school employees and post the video on YouTube. Fladung offers practical advice on how to prepare should a First Amendment auditor appear at your school.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we explore Ohio's AI toolkit for K-12 school districts with OSBA Policy Consultant Gamy Narvaez. Discover how aligning AI policies with district-specific values and objectives can ensure safe, effective and responsible use of AI in schools.

Get more information about the toolkit at https://innovateohio.gov/aitoolkit/ai-toolkit.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, OSBA Chief Legal Counsel Sara Clark discusses recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving public officials, including school board members, and their use of social media. The rulings, issued March 15th, address whether public officials' social media accounts constitute public forums and how they can navigate the use of social media to avoid First Amendment issues. Get insights into the cases and practical tips for managing social media accounts in both personal and official capacities. This episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of social media use by public officials and provides valuable guidance for school board members.

This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, OSBA Senior Student Achievement Consultant Kim Miller-Smith discusses the crucial role school board members play in creating conditions for student achievement. Key areas include vision, accountability, policy, relationships and community engagement, with an emphasis on the importance of collaboration with district leadership and the community to set standards for continuous improvement. Discover how boards can effectively engage with their communities, build consensus and prioritize student achievement outcomes.

Get more resources at https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/advancing-student-achievement.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jennifer Hogue, director of OSBA's legislative services, discusses the current legislative agenda for public education in Ohio, from property taxes to student absences and reading and math instruction.

Learn more about potential changes in leadership at the Statehouse and the impact on legislative priorities. Also, understand the importance of local board members engaging with their legislators and advocating for public education.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced 17 recommendations issued by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group to enhance the safety of student transportation.

Episode guest OSBA Senior Transportation Consultant Doug Palmer, who was involved with the working group, discusses the recommendations, which range from additional training to giving school districts flexibility to invest in the safety measures that best meet their needs.

Find the recommendations at: http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/36598.

This episode is brought to you by Vartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠⁠.

Sally S. Green is in her 19th year on the Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools Board of Education, a rural district in northeast Ohio.

Her longstanding commitment to public education in her community has undoubtedly shaped the district's growth and future.

In this episode, hear more about her journey, her district's unique characteristics and her perspectives on public education.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at⁠⁠https://vartek.com⁠⁠.

Nearly 600 first-time school board members will take office in January. In this episode, we'll explore what to expect as a new school board member, from understanding your role and responsibilities to how to make a positive impact in your new role and contribute to the success of your school district!

Guests: former school board members and OSBA consultants Kristi Robbins and Quinn Maceyko.

Get more information at: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/new-board-members.

This episode is brought to you byVartek, education's IT partner. Learn more at⁠https://vartek.com⁠.