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Akron Educator in State Spotlight: Linda Omobien Begins Term As Ohio President of School Board Panel

Posted on: Monday, 16 January 2006, 09:00 CST

By Stephanie Warsmith, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Jan. 16--Linda Omobien never aspired to be president of the Ohio School Boards Association.

But after twice serving as president of Akron's school board and holding several positions with the statewide group, she felt she was up to the task.

Omobien, who has been on Akron's board for 13 years, was recently sworn in as the group's leader for 2006. She is the first Akron board member to head the association.

As president, Omobien will be paid $500 a month and will be reimbursed for expenses.

Q: What is the OSBA?

A: OSBA is a private, not-for-profit, statewide organization of public school boards. OSBA is a member-driven body whose primary duties are to advance public education (and) provide information, services and training to school board members. OSBA provides advocacy for the members' adopted legislative platform. OSBA also informs board members about current and future issues and their impact on public education.

Q: OSBA has been working on proposed constitutional amendments to address the state's school funding problems. What will the group be doing in the next year on this issue?

A: We will continue to seek feedback from board members across the state regarding the constitutional amendment concepts, and hopefully gain more support and understanding.

Q: OSBA sent out a press release last week opposing the state's expansion of a program giving students in certain public districts vouchers to attend private schools. What are your thoughts on vouchers?

A: I am opposed to vouchers as they drain much-needed dollars from public education, primarily urban settings.... The state of Ohio is already spending too much on private/parochial schools with public dollars. These programs only serve a handful of children while we, the public schools, are serving millions without adequate resources from the state.

Q: Are OSBA's efforts to force school funding changes and against the voucher expansion signs that the group is trying to be more aggressive than it has been in the past?

A: OSBA has always taken a strong stand against vouchers and charter schools. We voted several years ago not to permit them (charter schools) membership into OSBA.

Q: What issues or legislation do you expect OSBA to be involved with this year?

Q: With your OSBA duties, do you still expect to have time to help with Akron's campaign to pass an operating levy in May? What do you think needs to be done differently from the district's unsuccessful appeal to voters last November?

A: I will most definitely be involved (with the) school levy in May. I am only able to serve as president of OSBA because of my service on my local board, and I will never forget that. Our strategy has to be more aggressive, organized, targeted, and involve many citizens at the grass-roots level.

Q: Charter schools have grown dramatically over the past several years. Do you see changes happening with them in the future? If so, what?

A: Charter schools are losing some of their momentum, because the enrollment is dropping, parents and state leaders are being forced to hold them accountable, test scores are dismal, and many of them can't maintain solvency. As public schools continue to improve, charter schools will no longer be an option for parents.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

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Source: Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio)

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