OSBA Today cover art

OSBA Today

OSBA Today

Written by: Ohio School Boards Association
Listen for free

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 leadership, governance and the challenges facing Ohio school districts.
  • Report to the Office — OSBA President Mary Cleveland sits down with education leaders and guests from around Ohio.
  • Learning the Legislature — Updates and discussions on education policy and activity at the Statehouse.
  • Legal Ledger Sidebars — Quick conversations focused on school law, policy and legal trends affecting districts.
  • OSBA Forum — Extended discussions and special conversations featuring education experts and thought leaders.


Whether you are a board member, administrator, educator or community member, OSBA Today keeps you connected to the conversations happening in Ohio public education.

© 2026 Ohio School Boards Association
Politics & Government Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Conflict Management in School Leadership
    May 26 2026

    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 some districts.
    • Leadership transitions and board dynamics.
    • Communication breakdowns and difficult conversations.
    • Emotional intelligence in governance.
    • Community expectations and political pressures.
    • Strategies for strengthening trust and professionalism.

    The OSBA Forum features conversations on the issues impacting Ohio’s public schools and the leaders who serve them.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:22 Conflict Isn’t Always Negative
    00:47 Meet Sara Clark and Kristi Robbins
    01:19 Why Conflict Is Increasing in School Districts
    01:43 New Board Members and Leadership Transitions
    02:06 Roles, Communication and Difficult Conversations
    02:40 Budget Challenges and Community Pressure
    03:05 Political Polarization and Board Dynamics
    03:38 Emotional Intelligence During Conflict
    04:25 Early Warning Signs of Governance Problems
    05:12 Building Trust Within Leadership Teams
    06:04 Productive Communication Strategies
    07:01 Managing Public Pressure and Expectations
    08:10 Advice for Board Members Facing Conflict
    09:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Governance

    For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Where Do Your School Taxes Really Go?
    May 20 2026

    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 daily operations.

    They also discuss common misconceptions about school district finances, the difference between property tax and income tax levies, why cash balances can be misunderstood, and how community members can stay informed and involved.

    Topics include:

    • Where school funding comes from.
    • Why property tax bills can change.
    • How levy dollars reach the classroom.
    • The role of the district treasurer.
    • Why school funding is a community issue.

    Understanding school funding is one way communities can better support students and public education.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:18 Where do your property taxes go?
    00:50 Meet Christine Poetter
    02:17 Biggest misconception about school funding
    04:02 Main sources of school funding
    05:21 Local taxpayers vs. state funding
    07:30 Property tax levies vs. income tax levies
    11:30 Millage and valuation explained
    12:48 Why tax bills can change
    15:23 How tax dollars reach the classroom
    18:27 Why cash balances can be misunderstood
    19:02 Schools are a people business
    20:39 Hard financial decisions districts face
    23:11 What every Ohio resident should understand
    25:33 How community members can stay informed
    27:17 Closing remarks

    For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Should School Board Members Post on Social Media?
    May 12 2026

    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 conversation covers:

    • Open Meetings Act concerns
    • Public records implications
    • Board unity and communication
    • Responding to misinformation
    • Sharing district information appropriately
    • Why “when in doubt, cut it out” may be the best advice

    Whether you’re an experienced board member or newly elected, this episode offers insight into how social media can impact public trust, transparency and board governance.

    For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet