Board members and superintendents Summer Camp

 [Agenda (97k )]

Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19
Bring your brain to summer camp. Dive into a day and a half of training that will energize you, inform you and make a difference in the success of your board. 
We have three nationally known presenters who will share their latest research, insights and proven practices for board decision-making and building strong, responsive boards. We have a full program of workshops with OSBA experts.

Highlights:

• Board policy to classroom practice: data-informed decision-making, a two-part workshop with Walter Burt and J. Mark Rainey
• RUT - Respect, understanding and trust, a workshop with Don Owen
• Evaluating your superintendent
• School district budgets and finance
• Public meetings and executive sessions: laws and tips
• Legislative round-up
• Using data to support and guide decisions for students
• Ethics for elected officials: Some things never change -- some do
• Updates on policy, communications, and charter schools
• Board members' roles and responsibilities

Special presenters

Dr. Walter Burt is an assistant professor of Educational Leadership, Research & Technology at Western Michigan University and a retired school superintendent. Dr. J. Mark Rainey is a senior research associate at Western Michigan University. Their presentation details how high-performing schools use data to guide instructional practices and set clear academic goals. Understanding how data can be used in making decisions and setting policy is key to closing the achievement gap. They will help your district team understand the role of school board members and administrators in collecting, analyzing and developing action plans for data-informed decision-making.

Educational consultant Donald B. Owen is not a lawyer who happens to have been a teacher, but a teacher who chose to go to law school so he could both practice law and teach law-related subjects. Owen, who served as director of board development and training for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for 23 years, focuses on the legalities and practicalities of school board business. He's written extensively on leadership, governance, constitutional law and parliamentary procedure. Friday, at the board secretaries' workshop, he presents Minutes, Agendas and the Role of the Board Secretary. Saturday, at Board Summer Camp, he presents Respect, Understanding, and Trust: the Board/Superintendent Relationship. 

Pre-conference session

 [Agenda (66k )]

Friday, July 17
Making Meetings Matter
Think about it: You need to make meetings work for you. This highly interactive day, filled with fun videos and scenarios, will guide you through these questions:

• Why do meetings matter?
• What makes a successful meeting?
• What are the legal requirements?
• Who is responsible?
• How do you plan? Conduct? Evaluate?
• What will you do?

Explore the ins and outs of conducting efficient, legal meetings, and discover the strengths of your board and what improvements can be made. This exciting pre-conference day will hone the skills you need to make your meetings really matter.

Member price: $125 for first attendee, $75 for each additional person. Non-Member price: $225 per person.

Board Secretaries' Day

 [Agenda (84k )]

Friday, July 17
We've put together a powerful, high-energy day for you to refine the skills you need to keep your board on the right trail.

During the morning, explore "Minutes, Agendas and the Role of the Board Secretary" with Don Owen. 
In the afternoon, learn the fine points that make your job less stressful and more satisfying:

• What you (and the board) can and can't do ethically
• What's "public" about public meetings
• Dispelling doubts about executive sessions

Come recharge and have some fun - and we promise you'll leave more effective, efficient and confident.

Price: $125 each for members, $225 for non-members.