“Spotlight on Success” – OSC's Monthly eNewsletter!

Get an inside look at the inspiring stories, innovative initiatives, and expert insights shaping Ohio’s schools. Each month, Spotlight on Success will highlight the achievements of OSC and its member districts, sharing strategies, triumphs, and lessons that can spark ideas in your own district. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the people and programs making a real difference in education across Ohio!

Not every school operations leader begins their career in education. For Chad Healy, Facilities Manager at Polaris Career Center, the journey started with decades of experience as a commercial carpenter.

Long before he stepped into his current leadership role, Healy spent years working on commercial construction projects across Northeast Ohio. Along the way, he even worked on the Polaris building itself several times.

Today, he manages the very facility he once helped build.

Healy joined Polaris Career Center in July 2024 as Facilities Manager. While his construction background gave him a strong understanding of buildings and systems, stepping into the world of school operations introduced new challenges. Navigating compliance requirements, vendor networks, and school-specific facility needs was a learning curve.


That is where the Ohio Schools Council quickly became an important resource.

Healy first learned about OSC while attending the OPFMA conference in fall 2025. Recognizing the opportunity to connect with other facilities professionals, he scheduled an OSC Membership Review Meeting soon after and began exploring the many benefits available to members.

Since then, Chad has embraced the collaborative nature of the OSC community.

“As someone newer to school facilities, the OSC network has been incredibly helpful. There are always people willing to share advice or point you in the right direction.”

Polaris recently participated in OSC’s new Door Inspection Program, created to help districts stay ahead of a new state mandate requiring regular fire door inspections. Through the program, the facility had 63 fire doors and 32 exterior doors inspected at minimal cost, saving the district thousands compared with other vendor quotes while ensuring the building remains compliant with state safety requirements.

Healy is also working with OSC Preferred Partner Gardiner on a safety initiative focused on improving broadband radio access at the facility.

For Chad, OSC provides more than cost savings. It offers a community of experienced peers, trusted partners, and practical resources that help him continue to grow in his role.

“I was never that outgoing and new to my role. The OSC network meetings made it easy to stay connected, and it’s great seeing the same faces every meeting.”

From building the Polaris facility to now managing it, Healy’s path into school operations may have been unconventional. With the support of the OSC community, it is also proving to be a successful one.

Healy’s experience highlights what makes the OSC community unique. Through collaborative networks, specialized programs, and trusted partnerships, members are able to share knowledge, solve challenges together, and discover solutions that make their districts stronger.

For new members especially, those connections can make all the difference. Access to experienced peers, practical resources, and cost saving programs helps members quickly find their footing and succeed in their roles.



For Healy, the combination of relationships, learning opportunities, and measurable savings has made OSC an essential part of his professional journey as he continues building the future of Polaris Career Center.