September

A  total of over 60 superintendents attended a regional meeting in Zanesville on September 22 and in New Boston on September 29.  

Superintendents at both meetings worked in small groups to identify how  to strengthen their advocacy approaches and how to have the voices of  Southeastern Ohio be heard not only in Columbus but also at the local  and regional level.  Members approved  Legislative priorities for the   2023-24 school year and were given copies of the Legislative Committee  Meetings as well as the Legislative Subcommittee Meetings.  Anyone  wanting to be added to any committee should contact Malania Birney at malania.birney@sundaycreekhorizons.com  In  addition, superintendents were reminded to nominate an Outstanding High  School Teacher to be recognized on February 21, 2024 at the Zanesville  campus of Ohio University.  All nominations must be submitted by  December 15, 2023.

In  Zanesville, members  looked at Superintendent standards with Fort Frye  Superintendent Stephanie Starcher and identified best practices. They also received a legal update from Nicole Donovsky from Bricker Graydon.

In  New Boston,  Superintendent Jodi Armstrong from Green Local Schools  introduced   State Representative Justin  Pizzulli representing the 90th  District. 

Chesapeake Local student Drew Plantz introduced Representative Dani Issaacsohn from the 24th District.

Representative  Issaacsohn spoke on the need for increased funding for public schools,  especially economically disadvantaged schools and students.  He noted  that over a billion dollars went to subsidize private education in the  most recent budget. 

Superintendent Doug Hale introduced Mr. Jason Stephens, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. 

Speaker Stephens spoke about the legislative accomplishments of the  past session and the importance of the Fair School Funding Plan.