The Southeast Region enjoyed record-setting attendance at its two Spring Conferences, with 228 attendees representing 43 of the region’s 86 districts. Eastern Local (Pike) High School in Beaver was the scene of the first conference, where 104 attended on March 4.
The Belmont County Career Center in St. Clairsville hosted 124 attendees at the second conference on March 6.

At Beaver, the Eastern Local Board of Education, administration and National Honor Society students served as hosts for the evening. Anna Overly and her food service staff from Pike County Area JVSD provided a delicious meal.

Region President Ruth M. Nau, Noble Local (Noble), presided over the conference, with Executive Director Lewis and President Bischoff providing updates from the association. Lewis also presented an update on the Education Amendment effort, while Jennifer Economus, OSBA legislative specialist, presented a legislative briefing and encouraged participation in Kids PAC. Also present from the OSBA staff were Deputy Director of Communication Services Ebright and Marketing Manager Levy. Jane Sonenshein, an elected member of the State Board of Education representing District 10, was a special guest for the evening.

Bischoff and Nau recognized the Teacher of the Year nominees, as well as four school districts that participated in the Student Achievement Fair at OSBA’s 2007 Capital Conference and Trade Show.

The region also recognized three veteran board members with 20 years of service and six with 10 years. Eleven board members received the Award of Achievement, with Catherine L Krumlauf, Logan-Hocking Local (Hocking) and Tri-County Career Center, receiving Master Board Member honors.

The Bridgeport EV Board of Education and administration joined students from the Belmont County Career Center’s Law Enforcement Program to host the March 6 St. Clairsville conference.

Students from the career center’s culinary arts satellite program in Barnesville assisted with the meal, which was provided by a local caterer. The St. Clairsville- Richland City High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Wayne Berk, performed for attendees.
Nau presided over the evening, with Bischoff and Lewis providing association greetings and updates. Fred Pausch, OSBA director of legislative services, presented a legislative briefing and urged attendees to participate in Kids PAC. Also present from the OSBA staff were Deputy Executive Director and Director of School Board Development Delane, Communications Specialist Gary Motz and Marketing Manager Levy. Elected State Board of Education member Jennifer Stewart, who represents District 9, was a special guest of the region.

Bischoff and Nau honored Teacher of the Year nominees as well as eight districts for participating in the 2007 Student Achievement Fair. Veteran board members honored included four with 20 years of service, one with 15 years and nine with 10 years.

Seven board members received the Award of Achievement, and W. Bryce Watt, Muskingum Valley ESC, earned Master Board Member recognition.

Thanks to all the districts who attended and continue to support the Southeast Region.

Regions OSBA

© Ohio School Boards Association, 2008