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OSBA speech causes conflict in SWCS
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - March 10, 2010)
Conflict over an upcoming speech arose during the March 8 South-Western City Schools Board of Education meeting.
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) asked Sandy Nekoloff, executive director of communications for the district, to speak at an April 7 seminar among school board members and administrators from around the state. The OSBA has titled the presentation "Got levies? Get strategic by working with your community - including the opposition!"
The OSBA's Web site, www.osba-ohio.org, says, "The South-Western City Schools levy passed on its fourth attempt. The campaign was organized, grassroots and community led. Find out, from a district communications perspective, how districts can better communicate with all stakeholders."
Board member Jo Ellen Myers gave a PowerPoint presentation in response to the planned presentation. She said the OSBA does not explain how the district cut extracurricular activities or eliminated transportation for high school students. She also took issue with the use of the word "grassroots."
Myers went on to say the district did not run a grassroots campaign. She said she had a true grassroots campaign in her own run for a seat on the school board.
Board President Randy Reisling cut Myers off and said he did not see her point in talking about how she ran her campaign.
"It is my understanding Sandy is speaking to other board members about what a district can do from a communications standpoint," said Reisling.
Board member Cathy Johnson asked Myers if she talked to Nekoloff about the issue before she made her presentation.
Myers said no.
"It might have been appropriate to ask Sandy," Johnson noted.
Myers said she did not call the communications director because allegedly she gets the "run around" when calling district employees.
Nekoloff said the speech will be on how a district's communications office could work with the community, including the opposition.
"At no time will I be talking about tactics or levy strategy," said Nekoloff. "It will be about the types of information districts should provide the community."
Nekoloff said the information includes fact sheets and news letters. She will also discuss lessons learned from working with the community on the levy.
"Districts have a responsibility to be transparent and open with the public," said Nekoloff.
Nekoloff even sat down to have a talk with Terry Jones, head of the levy opposition group SWAT.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, Jones acknowledged that Nekoloff did reach out to the anti-levy group. He said he believes other school districts should be warned about tactics used during the levy.
"Mrs. Nekoloff needs to address the incurred backlash of community anger. Tell those in attendance at the OSBA levy seminar to count the costs and consider the consequences before running such an extreme levy campaign," Jones said.
The seminar will be held at the OSBA office in Columbus. The cost to attend is $120. Johnson will co-present with Nekoloff.
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