News

  • November 20, 2023 10:10 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    With the launch of the 2024 OHSPRA Achievement Awards program, we are excited to share the Board of Directors have added two new Distinguished Individual awards: The School Communicator of the Year Award and the Doug Baker Mentorship Award.

    The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes the exemplary leadership of Ohio's school communications professionals for demonstrated commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between public schools and the students, families, and communities they serve. The award honors those who recognize that communication is a critical component of leadership. The winner will be nominated by OHSPRA for NSPRA's National School Communicator of the Year Award.

    Established in 2023, The Doug Baker Mentorship Award is a distinguished honor presented annually to an outstanding member of the Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA). This award celebrates the legacy of Doug Baker, a cherished OHSPRA member who was deeply committed to mentoring his peers, fostering connections, and serving education through school public relations.

    The recipient of this award exemplifies Doug's spirit by going above and beyond to guide, support, and inspire fellow OHSPRA members. Whether it's through one-on-one mentorship, leading workshops, or creating platforms for meaningful dialogue, the awardee has made a significant impact on the professional growth and community spirit of OHSPRA.There is no entry fee for Doug Baker Mentorship Award nominations.

    These awards serve as a platform to honor the outstanding work you do in your district. We invite you to submit your best projects and campaigns by Monday, January 22, 2024. 

  • November 20, 2023 10:06 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024 OHSPRA Achievement Awards program. These awards serve as a platform to honor the outstanding work you do in your district.

    Professional awards provide recognition for the outstanding communication efforts of members and non-members of OHSPRA. Distinguished individual awards recognize individuals who support, champion, and help advance the great work school communicators are doing. 

    We invite you to submit your best projects and campaigns by Monday, January 22, 2024. Last year, OHSPRA members submitted over 180 entries! Don't delay and submit your entries today! 

    Professional Awards:

    E-Newsletter
    Marketing Materials
    Photography 
    Podcast
    PR & Marketing Plan
    Quality Profile/Annual Report (Electronic or Print)
    Social Media Campaign
    Social Media Page
    Special Purpose Publication
    Student Video
    Video
    Website
    Writing

    Distinguished Individual Awards:

    School Communicator of the Year
    Doug Baker Mentorship Award
    Crystal Award
    Friend of Education Award
    Innovator Award


  • October 04, 2023 10:47 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    OHSPRA and OSBA are excited to offer an additional PD session to our Fall Communications Workshop next Wednesday, Oct. 11! Learn the ins and outs of branding your district with intent as Carl Mitchell, Brand Manager for St. Louis Public Schools, joins us for this interactive session.

    Session Description:

    Did I Do That? School Branding with Intent:

    Join us in this engaging session where we'll uncover actionable strategies to align principals with your district's branding objectives and simplify the art of school branding. Learn how a cohesive brand can bolster your reputation and contribute to student success, all while drawing inspiration from the iconic Steve Urkel's determination and creativity.

    Register for the Fall Communications Workshop or click this link: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/events/view/ohspraosba-fall-communications-workshop-0

    See the full list of presenters on our Event page. 

  • September 21, 2023 9:12 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    OHSPRA and OSBA are teaming up once again to provide a virtual Fall Workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You won't want to miss these timely and information-packed sessions as your communication conundrums are de-mystified!

    We are excited to have these workshop features:

    School Board and Levy Campaigns

    During this portion of the virtual workshop, Sara Clark, OSBA's chief legal counsel, will discuss guidelines for communication professionals about requests to work with candidates on their school board campaigns and navigating the newly released guidelines from the Auditor of State regarding levy campaigning. During her presentation, Sara will provide an overview of the guidelines, practical applications and answers to questions specific to workshop attendees’ own situations. 

    Finding and Disseminating Positive Stories and Keeping Stakeholders Engaged

    If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! OHSPRA “Best-of-the-Best” Award-winning communications pro, Dan Rajkovich, runs his Communications & Marketing Department at Fairview Park City School District like a newsroom. He collects information on the positive news in his district, writes his own stories, and publishes the articles where he knows his stakeholders are reading. Join Dan as he shares how this approach helps him to not only stay “in the know” on positive stories across his district, but also keep his stakeholders engaged in what’s happening in his schools. Dan will provide samples of his award-winning work and data to back up that it’s working!

    Register Today!


  • March 21, 2023 3:06 PM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    The OHSPRA Spring Conference agenda is now live on our website! View session times, speakers, and activities here.

    Don't miss out on this jam-packed, two-day conference. Space is limited and we're already seeing a record number of registrations. If you haven't already, snag a spot and get ready to learn best practices, hear from seasoned PR pros, and connect with school communicators from around the state.

    View OHSPRA Spring Conference Agenda

  • March 09, 2023 8:21 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

    OHSPRA is excited to welcome Scott D. Henry as an OHSPRA Spring Conference keynote speaker. 

    From a self-described “incredible nerd” who was bullied as a kid; to a construction superintendent, TikTok sensation (with 1.5 million followers!), a contestant on CBS’s “Tough as Nails and husband, dad and stepdad as an adult; Scott D. Henry has evolved into a sought-after (if somewhat reluctant) motivational speaker, bringing his audiences from chuckles to tears to belly laughs as he spreads his message of positivity. Henry uses his own personal experiences to illustrate how taking the negatives we encounter and turning them around into a positive attitude can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives.

    Join us for the 2023 OHSPRA Spring Conference at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel at 409 Altair Parkway in Westerville on April 27 and 28, 2023.

    Additionally, we will celebrate the winners of this year's OHSPRA Achievement Awards and recognize the hard work that school public relations professionals do around the state.

    Pricing:

    • Full Conference, OHSPRA Member Cost: $325
    • Full Conference, Non-Member Cost: $350
    • Thursday Only, OHSPRA Member Cost: $250
    • Thursday Only, Non-Member Cost: $275
    • Achievement Awards luncheon ONLY Rate: $65

    Register Today!

  • March 09, 2023 8:18 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)


    At the February OHSPRA Board of Directors meeting, the board voted to streamline pricing for the 2023-2024 school year. As you begin preparing your budget for the following year, be sure to plan for these new prices:

    1 Member: $100

    2 Members: $175

    3 Members: $250

    4 Members: $325

    5 Members: $400

    6+ Members: $25 off each additional member

    More information about membership and pricing for future conference and awards submissions can be found here.


  • February 14, 2023 8:17 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)


    Every other year, NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program recognizes professional and professional partner members who are making a difference for their school districts or education-related employers. Ohio was well represented this year as three of our members were selected for the 2022-23 class. Congratulations to:

    • Olivia Bronczek, Communications Coordinator, Massillon City Schools
    • Alexandra Kincaid, Public Information Office Director, Dayton Public Schools
    • Kelsey Webb, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center

    Be sure to check your inboxes as NSPRA will recognize Olivia, Alexandra, and Kelsey with a profile piece in upcoming issues of its monthly Member Memo e-newsletter. 


  • February 06, 2023 8:19 PM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)


    Join us for the 2023 OHSPRA Spring Conference at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel at 409 Altair Parkway in Westerville on April 27 and 28, 2023.

    Additionally, we will celebrate the winners of this year's OHSPRA Achievement Awards and recognize the hard work that school public relations professionals do around the state.

    Pricing:

    • Full Conference, OHSPRA Member Cost: $325
    • Full Conference, Non-Member Cost: $350
    • Thursday Only, OHSPRA Member Cost: $250
    • Thursday Only, Non-Member Cost: $275
    • Achievement Awards luncheon ONLY Rate: $65

    A room block is available at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, call call +1 614-882-6800 or book online at this link https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1660837196586&key=GRP&app=resvlink

    Register Today!

  • December 20, 2022 8:53 AM | Mary Beddell (Administrator)

    Registration is now open for OHSPRA's January Virtual Lunch and Learn. Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 12-1 p.m. for a power-hour of learning and networking. 

    Hear from members of the Indian School Public Relations Association (INDSPRA) about how to welcome a new superintendent to your district. Then, we'll show you around OHSPRA's new website and highlight the tools and features that will help make your membership even better. 

    This January Virtual Lunch and Learn is sponsored by Class Intercom and free for OHSPRA members only. 

    Register here: https://www.ohspra.org/events


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Phone: 216-309-1772

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