Lane Education Service District board member Linda Hamilton is calling board members all around her region to make sure they will be at OSBA’s first 2023 Legislative Roadshow on Sept. 19.
She said it’s important for school board members, especially newly elected ones, to learn about state education issues as well as OSBA’s many services, such as professional training and legal advice.
“They learn that OSBA is there for them,” said Hamilton, an OSBA Board member.
OSBA’s annual fall regional meetings, known as the Legislative Roadshow, begin Sept. 19 in Eugene. Nineteen more meetings all over the state are scheduled through Nov. 1.
During the meetings, OSBA leaders will provide a preview of OSBA’s work in the year ahead, including the possible creation of a caucus to give more voice to rural concerns. OSBA leaders will also talk about expectations for the next legislative session and ramifications from the 2023 session.
OSBA Legislative Services Director Lori Sattenspiel said this past legislative session raised complex education issues, with far-reaching legislation on abbreviated school days, school workforce needs and pay for school board members among other things. Sattenspiel said implementing some of the new laws could be “challenging.”
Sattenspiel said OSBA leaders also want to hear members’ thoughts on a possible statewide school salary schedule coming out of the Legislature.
Regional OSBA Board and Legislative Policy Committee candidates will attend the meetings, giving board members a chance to meet the people representing them in OSBA decision-making. OSBA elections are going on now.
Hamilton said one of her favorite parts of the roadshows is getting regional superintendents and school board members in one room to talk about local issues.
“It’s a great collaboration when you hear from all,” she said.
– Jake Arnold, OSBA
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