Future Uncertain

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) provides many services to boards across the state. The highest profile is the annual conference in Columbus. Held at the Columbus Convention Center, it features a trade show for school service vendors and a series of breakout presentations on a wide range of school related subjects.
A quick overview of some subjects available this year include Transitioning the multiply disabled to adulthood; Infectious disease control and prevention; Making tough decisions in a recession; Electricity purchasing workshop; Labor law tips all administrators should know; A district wide intervention program; Legal implications of social technology and School funding reform-Will it ever happen. There were literally dozens of other topics offered covering issues of concern for schools.
Studying the map of the trade show and reflecting on the empty spaces I calculate there were at least 1,500 vendors. Of those it seemed there were dozens of architect and or engineering firms and at least as many project management firms all vying for attention and business. Attention getting handouts ranged from pens and bag clips to assorted candies plus popcorn, backpacks and other gewgaws.
One conversation I had with an architect yielded the fact that in Ohio, the main areas of productive activity that he saw were school building projects and churches. He further observed that church building was lagging behind as available funds are dwindling. He also pointed out that when the tobacco settlement funding for schools runs out that area will revert to only funds from the state budget which are limited at best and questionable going forward. Not a cheery overview.
No one seems able to provide a precise answer to the question of when our district’s opportunity to take advantage of the tobacco funds actually expires. As usual, there seems to be a bit of double talk and politics involved at the state level on this subject. It may be clear to someone but it is certainly not clear to me.
As you know we had lost our older state funding participation rate of 39% and were reduced to 28%. We were re-instated to receive the higher level of state funding but we will lose that again if we do not take advantage of it within a 24 month window. It is still unclear to me when that window closes. It is further uncertain when the tobacco money actually runs out. That will depend of course on how many districts take advantage of it before we step up, if we do.
The other activity that takes place at these conferences is networking with board members from other districts. Their experiences often prove of value in making decisions locally.
You may be interested in two conversations I had. One with a lady from a district that some years ago failed to pass a bond issue for new buildings four times. They dug in and are living with their old buildings, the newest of which dates to the 1950s. The oldest of which was built in 1870. They are on a continuous cycle of seeking operating funds to maintain and operate those buildings. They have spent a lot of money doing what they can to have the buildings accommodate today’s needs.
The other was with a treasurer whose bond issue also failed recently and they, like us, are totally uncertain as to how to proceed. The needs have not changed but the possibilities and choices are now more limited.
The question I am asked most frequently locally is what comes next. The answer for me at the moment is, I do not yet know.