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

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

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