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 you missed ...

Methods for Strengthening Board Relationships: A GCSSA Membership Benefit

On January 21, Cheryl W. Ryan of OSBA presented to the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents' Association members via Zoom due to extreme cold and school closures. The virtual session, a testament to GCSSA’s commitment to its members, focused on fostering positive relationships with Boards of Education.

Highlights from the presentation, included:

Election Dos and Don’ts

Superintendents should avoid public endorsements during board elections. Instead, focus on district successes and offer to meet with all candidates to discuss priorities and challenges. Post-election, congratulate winners, reach out to incumbents, and align on goals for a productive partnership.

Building Positive Meetings

Encourage respectful dialogue and ensure board members have the context to make informed decisions. Distinguish roles by emphasizing “governance” for the board’s responsibilities and “implementation” for administrative work. Regular one-on-one conversations with board members strengthen trust and collaboration.

Transparent, Strategic Leadership

Effective leaders provide clear recommendations, explain trade-offs, and outline success indicators to guide board decisions. Transparent communication fosters trust and aligns the board on long-term goals.

This presentation exemplifies the value-added benefits of GCSSA membership, equipping superintendents with tools to strengthen governance and drive student success.

Click to download full presentation.

Continue the Conversation: Join Us May 13

Deepen your understanding at Maintaining Strong Superintendent Board Member Relations on Tuesday, May 13, at 9 am at ESCNEO (Room D, 6393 Oak Tree Blvd, Independence, OH).

Featuring Jim Mahoney, former superintendent and founding executive director of Battelle for Kids, this session offers expert insights on building strong superintendent-board relationships.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a visionary leader in education. 

Unlocking key member benefits:

GCSSA Salary Study Analysis is available now

Be sure to participate next year and have access to this valuable data!

GCSSA is excited to release the results of its comprehensive salary study, providing critical insights into compensation trends and benchmarks for educational leaders across Northeast Ohio. This analysis offers a significant solution in addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the region’s educational sector, while fostering greater equity and transparency in salary practices.

GCSSA’s findings provide member districts with valuable data to guide future compensation planning and policy development.

• Competitive Benchmarking: Districts can use the study as a benchmark to assess how their compensation packages compare regionally, helping to identify areas for improvement.
• Promoting Equity: Addressing the gender pay gap and standardizing salary practices are essential steps to fostering fairness and inclusivity in leadership roles.
• Enhancing Recruitment Strategies: Data-driven insights will aid districts in crafting competitive offers that attract highly qualified candidates, particularly in under-resourced areas.

To schedule a one on one data mining session from Frontline, please contact Eric Eggan at eegan@frontlineed.com.  

The full salary study report is available to GCSSA members who participate in the initial survey. For more information, contact Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org. 

What's to come ...

Legal Update with Ennis Britton: Stump the Attorney on Tuesday, March 11 @ 9 am; offered both in-person and on ZOOM!

Join the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents' Association for an engaging and informative session featuring the legal experts from Ennis Britton. This event will provide school leaders with the latest updates on critical legal issues affecting education. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a lively "Stump the Attorney" segment, where pressing legal questions are answered live. This is a must-attend event for superintendents and school administrators seeking to stay informed and proactive in navigating the complex legal landscape of public education.

Date: Tuesday, March 11 @ 9 am

Location: ESC of NEO (6393 Oak Tree Boulevard) also available via ZOOM

(info coming soon)

Cost: FREE

To register, e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.

Join Us May 13 for an Inspiring Morning with Jim Mahoney!

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Jim Mahoney, a renowned educator and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming education. From his leadership at Battelle for Kids to his current role at Ohio University’s Voinovich School, Jim’s insights into student achievement and educational innovation are invaluable.

Join us for a thought-provoking session and gain inspiration from his decades of expertise!

Date: Tuesday, May 13 @ 9 am

Location: ESC of NEO (6393 Oak Tree Boulevard)

Cost: FREE

To register, e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.