Welcome to GCSSA's newest monthly eNews Communication featuring what you may have missed last month, and what's coming up in the near future. We hope you can take some time to read through the information provided to stay informed of insights and updates that have an impact on your district. As always, we appreciate your involvement and support!

What's to come ...

GCSSA Year-End Luncheon & Legislative Update – New Date and Location!


Join us on Friday, June 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at LockKeepers in Valley View for the GCSSA Year-End Luncheon Celebration and Legislative Update, presented by Dr. David Axner, Executive Director of BASA, and Paul Imhoff, Director of Governmental Relations at BASA. They will provide updates on key legislative issues affecting public education.


📍 New Location: LockKeepers, 8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View, OH 44125

Cost: FREE


🕚 11:30 am–Noon – Registration & Social

🍽️ Noon–1:30 pm – Program & Luncheon



We look forward to closing out the year together with meaningful updates and connections!


🖊️ To register, click the link below or e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.

Upcoming GCSSA Leadership Events: Superintendent Luncheon – Aug. 13 & STRS Update – Sept. 2

Join us for two informative, free events for education leaders this August and September!

🍽 New Superintendent Luncheon

Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Time: 11:30 am

Location: Creekside Restaurant (8803 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville)

Sponsor: Ennis Britton Co., LPA


Panelists:

  • Matthew Young – Cuyahoga Heights Schools
  • Ben Ribelin – Ravenna Schools
  • Andreas Johansson – Newton Falls Schools
  • Olympia Della Flora – Maple Heights Schools

Join us for an engaging luncheon where you’ll meet and hear from new superintendents as they share their leadership goals, district priorities, and key lessons from their first year. The panel features both first-year and experienced leaders, offering valuable inside and outside perspectives on the superintendent role.


📊 Update on STRS

Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Time: 9:30 am (Light breakfast at 9:00 am)

Location: Summit County ESC (420 Washington Ave., Cuyahoga Falls)

Presented by: Aaron F. Hood, Executive Director, STRS

In Partnership with Summit County ESC



Get the latest updates on the State Teachers Retirement System and what it means for your district's personnel costs and your employee's benefits.


Both events are free to attend – register now to secure your spot!


🖊️ To register, click the link below or e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.

What you missed ...

Wit & Wisdom: How Superintendents & Administrators can build trust, navigate change, and lead with purpose—especially during turbulent times!


Over 30 educational leaders gathered for a powerful and inspiring morning with renowned educator and leadership expert Jim Mahoney for Wit & Wisdom: How Superintendents & Administrators Can Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Lead with Purpose—Especially During Turbulent Times.


Dr. Mahoney brought a blend of wit, wisdom, and hard-earned experience as he addressed the critical topic of Maintaining Strong Superintendent/Administrator–Board Member Relations. His message was anchored in the belief that effective leadership, especially in uncertain times, relies on both timeless principles and the ability to adapt with grace.


Four Bases of Successful Leadership:

Dr. Mahoney framed his leadership philosophy around a memorable baseball metaphor, identifying four key “bases” leaders must touch to succeed:

  1. Communication – Clear, honest dialogue builds trust.
  2. Context – Understanding the bigger picture strengthens decision-making.
  3. Collaboration – Relationships are the foundation of progress.
  4. Culture – A healthy culture sustains and inspires.


A Personal Touch:

In a poignant closing gesture, every attendee received a Gratitude Baseball, along with the invitation to have it signed by the three most influential people in their lives—a tangible reminder of the power of appreciation, reflection, and leadership.


This event offered more than just professional development—it rekindled a sense of purpose and connection for leaders navigating the complex, high-stakes world of public education.

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