We're getting useful feedback about OSBA's new governance model during our Spring Regional meetings, with 10 more meetings to go. THANK you - let's keep up the good work. 

If you live near any of these cities, please "dine, discuss and debate" this critical topic with your colleagues: Sutherlin, April 3; Medford, April 4; Hood River, April 10; La Grande, April 18; Pendleton, April 19; Vale, April 24; John Day, April 25; Lakeview, April 26; Condon, May 1 and Redmond, May 2. 

The Governance Committee met regularly for five months to hammer out a new model we hope will engage all OSBA members, regardless of where they live. OSBA hasn't altered its structure since it began 60 year ago - Is it time to change? So far, most of you agree.

Everything you need to get up to speed is in our Governance Review Site.

In a nutshell, here are the big ticket items: 

New regions: The Governance Committee recommends switching from five Congressional Districts to 19 regions, based on three things:

• District boundaries and county lines
• Common cultural and geographic interests
• Each region containing about five percent of Oregon's student population

New voting: The committee suggests a major change in how the OSBA board is created: Each region would elect its own board member, rather than through statewide elections. The new board would include 19 instead of the current 17 members. OSBA board members would elect officers, who would be "ratified" by delegates at OSBA's annual meeting.

New business meeting: Also on the menu is another larger body, similar to a delegate assembly, with meeting methods to be determined -- leaving the door open for virtual meetings and electronic voting. This body would include at least one member per district, ESD or community college board (call them delegates for now). "Weighted" voting is being explored for the most populated districts. This approach is our attempt at fairness. We want to make sure the interests of every board - including those with very large student populations - are represented. This body would elect OSBA Board officers, adopt legislative policies, resolutions and constitutional changes.

Comparison of Current and Proposed Governance Systems

A sampling of your comments so far:

You like the new 14 regional areas, which combine "like" communities in more areas, rather than Oregon's five Congressional Districts. 

Many want to make sure we strike the "right balance" on our new OSBA Board and larger delegate body. Should it just represent the number of school boards? What about Oregon's student population? By giving the very large districts weighted voting, we're hoping for more engagement and unity. This has become a central debate - so please weigh in.

You'd like uniformity in how regional elections of OSBA board members should occur. 

You want to make sure ESD boards are treated fairly in the new model. 

Many of you like vote by mail and virtual meeting options, because you can see where this model will encourage more statewide engagement - which is what we are striving for. 

The Governance Committee will take your feedback to a June 22-24 meeting with the OSBA Board to create the final model for your vote in November. Because this changes OSBA's Constitution, a two-thirds majority vote is required.

Please get involved - help us make history with a new OSBA.

David Beeson
Chair, OSBA Governance Review Committee
Silver Falls School Board/Past OSBA President