The Southwest Region Spring Conference was held on March 18 at the Holiday Inn Dayton Mall in Miamisburg. Southwest Region President Jim Perdue, Reading Community City and Great Oaks ITCD, presided. It was a great evening, and marked our eighth straight spring conference with more than 200 attending. There were 262 registered, plus 29 members of the Reading Community City High School Show Choir and six members of the Springboro Community City Jr. ROTC Color Guard on hand. Both groups did outstanding jobs. Director Diana Schmidt was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the region in appreciation of the choir’s fine performance.

President-elect Katie McNeil, Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for our service members. At the beginning of the meeting, Perdue announced there were four school districts in attendance for the first time and 15 boards with four or more board members registered.

Perdue, Past President Kevin Johnston, Preble County ESC, and McNeil presented certificates to veteran board members. Honored were four board members with 20 years of service, one with 15 years and 18 with 10 years. The region presented flowers to the individuals in attendance, along with service certificates.

President Bischoff provided an update and information about educational activity in Ohio. His message was well received.
Executive Director Lewis, updated everyone on the OSBA Visionary Initiatives for Strategic Action (VISA) Team’s work on an organizational plan for the association and OSBA’s collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education and the governor’s office. Director of Legislative Services Pausch provided an update on legislative activity in Ohio, as well as national legislative efforts. He also pushed for participation in Kids PAC.

Perdue presented the 2008 Southwest Region President’s Award to Kim Nuxhall, executive director of the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund. Kim is the son of the late Joe Nuxhall, who passed away last fall. The region honored Joe in 2006 as its Friend of Education for his character education work. Kim confirmed his plans earlier this year to continue Joe’s work with character education and his other charitable activities. Kim graciously accepted the award and described his work as his passion. His wife, Bonnie, was a guest at the conference.

The region honored its 10 Teacher of the Year nominees. Also recognized were 28 board members who earned the Award of Achievement. Recipients were presented with a flower, certificate and pin designating the number of years each have earned the award. Bischoff and Lewis helped present the awards.

Six board members were named Master Board Members: Laura Bagshaw, Hillsboro City; Jerry Barbee, Bradford EV; Rick Foster, Manchester Local (Adams); Cristina Pickle, Mad River Local (Montgomery); Stephen Staton, Batavia Local (Clermont) and Great Oaks ITCD; and Sue Steele, Goshen Local (Clermont) and Great Oaks ITCD. The Southwest Region Master Board Member class of 2008 was the largest of any region. Honorees received a flower, plaque and a new name badge showing “MBM” after their name.

Additional activities will be taking place in the region. First, nominations are being solicited to continue honoring outstanding student programs in the region with Miami University Middletown providing the judges. The nomination deadline is June 15. The region also is encouraging participation in the Student Achievement Fair at the Capital Conference. Student achievement is the region’s most important goal. The deadline for Student Achievement Fair applications is April 25. The Southwest Region Treasurer’s Clinic will be held on Sept. 16.

The Southwest Region Executive Committee thanks all of the OSBA staff members who attended the conference for their participation.
Special thanks go to Northwest Region Secretary Dr. Judy Jackson May, who was our special guest for the evening.

Regions OSBA

© Ohio School Boards Association, 2008