Leadership & Public Administration School Board Certificate

Conference will be held November 4 - 6, 2021 in Oklahoma City.

Agenda Coming Soon.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4

8:30-9:30 Welcome: Dr. Russell Evans, Dean of the Meinders School of Business and Frank Merrick, Foundation Management, Inc.

Morning Plenary Session: “Lessons in Leadership” -- Mike Turpen, Attorney with Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis and featured host with the Sunday morning broadcast, Flashpoint

9:45-10:45 “Roles and Responsibilities”: Dr. Ann Caine and Dr. Joe Siano

Information about the roles of school board members in the governance structure of a public school district is essential if a board is to work effectively. Board members will learn about effective board-superintendent communication, successful community engagement, and advocacy. Superintendents and board members from across the state will share their roles in working together.

11:00-12:00 “Open Meetings and Open Records”: Julie Miller/ OML attorney

In today’s world, transparency in government is essential and knowledge of the Oklahoma Open Records and Open Meetings acts are key. In addition, participants will learn the requirements of the office; training required for maintaining their office; and the special aspects of campaign laws and reporting requirements for those seeking election.

12:00-1:30 Lunch and Keynote Speaker: “The Oklahoma Election Process”—Paul Zirac, Oklahoma Election Board Secretary and Secretary of the Oklahoma State Senate

1:30-3:45 “Partnerships—Schools and Cities”: Panel of City and School Leaders from across Oklahoma

It takes everyone working together to make cities and schools be their best. The session will discuss the interactions between different areas of government in Oklahoma.

4:00-5:00 "Economic Development”: OSSBA/OML

Financing schools and municipalities is multifaceted and complex. The session will include taxation and revenue discussions along with budgeting and purchasing, tax increment financing districts, special development districts and more.

6:00 Reception and Dinner with Keynote Speakers:

Mayor David Holt, Oklahoma City and Mayor MG. T. Bynum, Tulsa (Invited)

FRIDAY

8:30-9:30 Morning Plenary Speaker: “Communicating with the Public” —Christy Watson, Communications Director, OSSBA; Mike Fina, Executive Director, OML

This session will focus on the principals of social media and how to effectively use the various platforms to communicate with your constituents.

9:45-10:45 “Campaign Finance”: Speaker TBD

The ethical conduct of elected officials is governed by a complex web of legal standards and public expectation. Numerous constraints are found in the Oklahoma Constitution, in Oklahoma statutes and in rules drafted by the State Ethics Commission. Knowing what is involved in the legal standards governing campaigns and holding office are essential.

11:00-12:00 “Lobbying and Lobbyists”: Representatives from Business, the State, Municipalities, and Schools

States generally define lobbying as an attempt to influence government action through either written or oral communication. However, each state may have unique elements for what constitutes lobbying, exceptions to the definition, and exceptions for those exceptions! Find out the rules, regulations, and requirements for lobbying in Oklahoma.

12:00-1:30 Lunch and Keynote Speaker: “Oklahoma Elections: Local, State, and National” -- Pat McFerron, CMA Strategies

1:30-2:30 “City Government”: Mike Fina, Executive Director Oklahoma Municipal League

City governments are created and run very differently across various Oklahoma communities. Information on the internal structure and operations of different municipal governments, the differences and similarities of roles and responsibilities of municipal officials, the impact of state statutes and even the time commitment involved all play a part in making city government work effectively.

2:45-3:45 “School Finance”: Dr. Shawn Hime, Executive Director Oklahoma State School Boards Association and Dr. Joe Siano Oklahoma State School Board Association

How school districts are financed, school revenue streams and budgets are created, the statutory limitations placed on funding as well as laws related to each school fund and necessary audit procedures are complex. Included will be information on school facility planning and bond projects; the legal requirements for school bond proposals; and Oklahoma laws regarding construction and use of school property will be covered.

4:00-5:00 Session TBD

6:00 Reception and Dinner at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum with Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

SATURDAY

8:30-11:30 “Negotiation and Conflict Resolution”: Hon. Kim Parrish, United States Administrative Law Judge

Based on the negotiation framework taught at the Harvard Program on Negotiation, the session will include activities, discussions, and video exercises designed for anyone who wants to become a confident and effective negotiator. Teaching segments will cover topics such as dealing with difficult people, planning your negotiation, evaluating your options, and achieving your objectives both as an individual and as an organization.

11:30-12:00 “Graduation”

Prerequisites are not required.

Enrollment is open to students and professionals of all ages interested in public service and administration.

Tuition is $350. Graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in Leadership and Public Administration - School Board.

Susan Winchester
Director of Learn to Govern Program
405-206-8252
scwinchester@okcu.edu