Practical articles for Ohio school board members — frameworks, policy, and lessons from the boardroom. Written by Mary Cleveland, OSBA 2026 President.
Ohio law requires it annually under ORC 3319.01. Most boards do it badly. Here's the OSBA five-standard framework, how to set measurable goals, the right evaluation timeline, common mistakes, and what happens when it connects to contract renewal.
Ohio school district budgets run into the tens of millions. Here's how to read one — the Five Fund structure, revenue sources, levy basics, audit responsibilities, and the financial red flags new board members miss.
You won the election. Now what? The first months on a school board are overwhelming — votes, policies, budgets, and a superintendent to evaluate. These five frameworks give you a mental model for making good decisions before the pressure hits.
From your first meeting to the budget to building trust with your superintendent — a phase-by-phase guide to showing up prepared and earning your footing fast.
ORC 121.22 governs every public meeting your board holds. What it requires, what counts as a "meeting," executive session rules, and the violations new members make most often — before they know the rules.
Join board members across Ohio who get governance insights from Mary Cleveland — no spam, just substance.