1.

2 - Decision Making in Educational Systems

2.2.7 - Identify how decisions are made in education systems

Decisions are made each and every day. Some of the most important decisions are about

our education systems and how to keep our schools efficient and safe. Many of these decisions

can be made at a federal, state, or local level. For example, a decision made at the federal level

would include the “No Child Left Behind” act where schools were required to provide a free

education to any and every student including special ed children. The state level includes the

Ohio Department of Education. And in the local level, we have our Olentangy Board of

Education. In the Olentangy school board, there are 5 representatives; R. Bartz, D. King, J.

Wagner Feasel, and the president and vice president; K. O’Brien and M. Patrick (Evidence 1.2.1

Olentangy School Board Notes​). They help make all decisions when it comes to Olentangy

schools. They make decisions through board meetings. At each meeting, students, teachers,

parents, or committees will present to the representatives and express their ideas on how to

improve our schools. (Evidence 1.2.2 ​Board of Education Meeting Notes​). One of the most

recent presentations was about the DACC. The DACC is overcrowded and will continue to grow

in years to come. Their representatives complained that their classrooms were not big enough

and they needed funding for a new facility. (Evidence 1.2.2 ​BOE Meeting Notes​). The board

members took that into consideration and each member discussed it. They discuss it by getting

committee inputs, speaking to the treasurer, considering the stakeholders, and weighing out the

pros and cons. For example, if this new DACC building were to pass, it would affect a lot of

people. Some of the stakeholders include students, parents, teachers, anyone involved with the

school, educators looking for a job, and local taxpayers. Some pros of this building would be
new opportunities for students to learn and grow, more space for students to work, and more job

availability. Some cons would be the funding. Local taxpayers would have to start paying more

and so would the school. Often, new opportunities cost a lot of money. After these presentations,

there are reports given from the Board President, Superintendent, and Treasurer. This event is

when they express their finalized decisions to everyone. (Evidence 1.2.3 ​BOE Meeting Agenda​).

Some of the decisions that were finalized in this school board meeting include approving new

members to the finance committee and approving insurance rates for the year 2020. Some

decisions are also finalized by the Superintendent who is not apart of the school board but

instead, are partners. He accepted resignations and approved certified/supplemental positions.

(Evidence 1.2.3 ​BOE Meeting Agenda​). The biggest thing that the school board does is

communicate. They take everyone into consideration when making decisions and make sure

voices are heard.