Pictured above (left to right): Libby Gray, Member; LaToya Dowdell-Burger, President; Seth Bower, Vice-President; Kathleen Walsh, Member; John Kershner, Member.

 

Under Ohio law, the term of office for a Board of Education member is four years, with the terms being staggered in electing no more than three members during an election. This is done to provide continuity in the Board’s leadership.

  

 

These meetings are typically held to provide updates or information about upcoming issues to the Board of Education and the community. While there are generally no action items scheduled for Work Sessions, it is occasionally necessary to include action items as specific, immediate needs arise. Agendas with any action items will be published at least 24 hours before the meeting. The public is invited to attend Work Sessions. However, no time is scheduled for public participation during these meetings. 

With at least a 24-hour public notice, the Board’s President may call a “Special Meeting.” While generally for informational purposes, any item to be voted upon must be published on the meeting’s agenda at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date.

Ohio’s Open Meeting’s Law/Executive Sessions
Ohio law mandates that school board meetings be open to the public, with the exception of Executive Sessions. In an Executive Session, Ohio law permits the Board to discuss, but not vote on, personnel matters, property purchases, possible legal action, labor negotiations, security arrangements, and items the law says must be kept confidential.

Topics that can be discussed in the Executive Session include:

The Superintendent and the Board President set the school board’s meeting agenda. Individuals who wish to request an item to be considered for a Board meeting agenda should submit their request in writing to the Superintendent’s Executive Secretary, Chris Cook, at the District’s Administrative Offices or by emailing [email protected]. Requests should include name, address, phone number, organization represented (if any), and an explanation of the request. Requests must be submitted five working days in advance of the scheduled meeting. Including items on the agenda is at the discretion of the Superintendent and the Board President.

Board of Education meeting agendas are posted on the Board Docs link found on the right-hand side of the Board’s web page. Click on the meeting date, and the option to view or print the agenda will be in the middle of the webpage.  

  

Should you have questions, please get in touch with the District’s Office of Communications & Community Relations at (614) 492-2520 or email us at [email protected].