NEWS, NOTES
Digital Issue VII • Fall 2020
& Notices
OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL
IN THIS ISSUE: •
A message to our members
•
OSC can Provide Resources to help your District Safely prepare for the 2020-21 School Year!
•
Save big through the OSC Bus Purchasing Program
•
Earn 2.5% back on Everyday Cafeteria Food Items
•
Power4Schools Energy Update
•
GCSSA: Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago’s South Side on Sept. 17
•
GCSSA: 2020-21 Events Calendar
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GREATER CLEVELAND SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO OUR MEMBERS As we’ve progressed through the summer and begin heading into the fall, I continue to try to appreciate the emotional stress, political turmoil and professional uncertainty that you’ve endured as a result of the pandemic. While, during my 13 years as superintendent, I experienced stress and uncertainty related to financial shortfalls, closing school buildings, state report cards, significant changes in student demographics and the untimely death of students, nothing seems to compare to the intensity of emotions and uncertainty related to this period of history.
At the OSC, we’ve attempted to provide the support and resources that districts need during these difficult times. Knowing that each district is unique, just as students are unique, with differing strengths, weaknesses and needs, we’ve tried to create programs that are inclusive and yet can be customized to meet the varying needs of each community. Over the past few months, we have seen the news media coverage of the inequities related to the spread of COVID-19, the access to education, medical coverage, employment and the justice system due to socio-economics, racism, and privilege. As we enter the fall, I believe that we all need to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all of our students in the most equitable manner possible. We are hearing voices of the many who feel disenfranchised, in some manner, due to the pandemic and the current constraints placed upon our districts. And while we need to work to meet the needs of the many voices which we hear each day, we also need to carefully and purposefully identify the needs, and meet the needs, of those who are unable or unsure as to how to raise their voices, in these very difficult times. So, as you move into fall, if there is anything that I, or the OSC, can do to assist you and your district in meeting the needs of your community, please do not hesitate to email or call. Because I believe that there isn’t anything too big or too small, for which we can provide support. Thank you for your work in educating and caring for our students; our children, our grandchildren, my grandchildren.
OSC/GCSSA | 6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Suite 377 | Independence, Ohio 44131 216.447.3100
William J. Zelei, MBA, Ed.D. Executive Director, Ohio Schools Council
www.osconline.org
www.gcssaohio.org
SERVICES
SUPPORT
SAVINGS
OSC CAN PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR DISTRICT SAFELY PREPARE FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR ! Check out our COVID-19 Supply Catalog, updated weekly! Product Categories Include:
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Disinfectant Sprayers and Sprays Disposable Masks Face Shields Hand Sanitizing Dispensers Hand Sanitizing Solutions Hand Sanitizing Wipes Infrared Cameras Medical Gowns/Covering Reusable Masks Sanitizing Wipes Sneezeguards & Desk Dividers Thermometers
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CATALOG!
IN NEED OF A NEW BUS? PARTICIPATE IN THE OSC SPRING OR FALL BUS BID!
The OSC Bus Purchasing Program provides members with savings of up to $1,500 per unit purchased. Surveys due on September 15!
OSC members can still purchase from the Spring Bus Bids opened on May 5, 2020 with the exception of Cardinal Bus (Blue Bird buses) after September 1. Contact Kelly Rocco to get a copy of the bids. If you are interested in participating in the next OSC bus bid for purchases November-April 2021, please follow the steps outlined below. Bids will be opened on November 2, 2020 and distributed to members by November 9, 2020. Don’t delay. Follow these simple steps below to participate. 1. Complete Bus Bid Survey on or before Tuesday, September 15, 2020. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE 2. Complete and return the School Bus Specification Commitments and trade-in form on or before Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. (OSC emails to district representative on or after Friday, September 4, 2020.) 3. Pass a Board Resolution of intent to participate in OSC School Bus Purchase and return by Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. 4. Purchase buses at OSC Volume Discount!
1. Complete Bus Bid Survey by Sept. 15
2. Complete School Bus Specification Commitments & trade-in form and send Board Resolution to the OSC by Sept. 25
www.osconline.org
3. Review Bus Bid Summary
4. Purchase buses at OSC Volume Discount
www.gcssaohio.org
SERVICES
SUPPORT
SAVINGS
SAVE BIG ON EVERYDAY CAFETERIA ITEMS!
OSC offers very competitive pricing through GFS + Your district can Earn up to 2.5% back in rebates and thousands by purchasing your own Milk Coolers! The following are the awarded vendors for 2020-21 school year:
•
Everyday Food Essentials: GFS Purchase 90% of your Everyday Food Essentials items from GFS, excluding fresh produce, fresh bread, and dairy, and you will collect up to 2.5% at the end of the year. To join, sign the Prime Vendor Agreement and return to Kelly Rocco at krocco@osconline.org. The rebate starts as soon as you submit the form to OSC and it is accepted by GFS, so don’t delay and join today! Deadline to join program: September 25, 2020
Download Prime Vendor Agreement • • • • •
•
•
Bakery: Nickles Bakery Cafeteria Paper Supplies: Joshen Paper & Packaging Dishwashing Supplies: Ecolab Ice Cream (renewal): Hershey’s Ice Cream Milk & Dairy: Borden Dairy, Dean Foods and Smith Foods -Borden Dairy counties awarded: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, Summit and Trumbull Counties. -Dean Foods counties awarded: Ashland, Allen, Clark, Columbiana, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Huron, Henry, Jefferson, Licking, Logan, Lucas, Putnam, Seneca, Stark, and Wood -Smith Foods counties awarded: Crawford, Holmes, Jefferson, Marion, Richland, Medina, Stark, Summit Counties Farm to School (Fresh and minimally processed local fruits & vegetables and value-added products made with at least 50% Ohio ingredients): Bauman Orchards, Oberlin Food Hub, Perfectly Imperfect Produce, Terry Thompsen LLC -Bauman Orchards counties awarded for apples and peaches: Allen, Belmont, Carroll, Clark, Coshocton, Defiance, Fulton, Guernsey, Hancock, Harrison, Henry, Holmes, Jefferson, Licking, Logan, Lucas, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Putnam, Tuscarawas, Washington and Wood Counties -Oberlin Food Hub counties awarded for fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables and value added products: Ashland, Ashtabula, Columbiana, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne Counties -Perfectly Imperfect Produce counties awarded for minimally processed products: Ashland, Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne Counties -Terry Thomsen LLC counties awarded for pizza bagels: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, and Wayne Counties **NEW**Milk Coolers: Ohio Schools Council Are you renting coolers from your milk vendor? Do you know? Milk vendors charge between ½ cent and 1 cent per ½ pint of milk for you to use their coolers depending on the vendor. You are charged this fee for all half pint purchases, even if you only use 1 of their milk coolers. Milk coolers generally last between 15 and 20 years. Districts that purchase their own milk coolers will save their district money. You will only be charged for the cost of milk, fixed or monthly escalator, depending on what pricing your district selects. OSC bid for milk coolers for a member district. Depending on how long the coolers last, this district will save $19,022 in 15 years and $46,699 in 20 years after deducting the cost of the 32 milk coolers they purchased. Another district will save $36,860 in 15 years and $53,649 in 20 years after purchasing 7 new milk coolers.
Please contact Kelly Rocco at 330-348-6583 if you are interested in more information on the 2020-21 Food Service awards, pricing or purchasing from the awarded vendor.
www.osconline.org
www.gcssaohio.org
SERVICES
SUPPORT
SAVINGS
POWER4SCHOOLS ENERGY UPDATE
Four new tools that can reduce your energy costs today and better navigate future price volatility The pandemic has changed everything, but our commitment to you is still strong. We know budgets are going to be tight next year, so we are very excited to offer our member districts four new tools that can reduce your energy costs today and better navigate future price volatility. NEW SUPPLY CONTRACT Last year we offered the lowest priced electricity service in our history, an Energy Only, fixed price product for $0.03194/kWh for 24 months that has already saved P4S members over $1 million dollars. This new contract will blend your current one with a new lower price for an additional 30 months and contains all of the same important protections we secured in your current contract. If you would like to begin saving immediately contact Barb DelRoso at bdelroso@osconline.org.
RENEWABLE ENERGY On-site solar generation unlocks a much larger energy savings potential and a lower total energy spend when compared to traditional power. The primary advantage is that because an on-site system does not use the electric grid, it avoids charges and fees on grid distributed power. P4S is now offering members the ability to save up to 33 percent on your total energy spend with no money down. Systems are custom designed for your facilities and include rooftop or ground mount options with 20 year fixed pricing. If you prefer a shorter term or have other constraints to an on-site system, We now offer ENGIE’s Portfolio RE as a solution. If you are ready to explore renewable power for your district contact Todd Main at todd@powerforschools.org.
ON BILL FINANCING Improving energy efficiency is one of the best ways to control energy costs because the cheapest electricity is the electricity you never use or purchase . If your district is considering facility upgrades to improve lighting, HVAC or for COVID mitigation, we now offer ENGIE ADVANTAGE which is a simple on-bill financing program that provides capital to fund projects of any scale or size. PEAK LOAD ALERTS Capacity costs are scheduled to double in 2021-2022. Peak load alerts are a tool to help schools identify the potential five days of summer that are used to calculate capacity costs and to enable you to proactively reduce your energy use during those days. More information and our recent webinar is available here: https://www.osconline.org/programs-services/utility-energy/
power4schools-electric-program/. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Barb DelRoso at bdelroso@osconline.org. or Todd Main at todd@powerforschools.org. Thank you for your continued membership in P4S and service to the students of Ohio.
www.osconline.org
www.gcssaohio.org
Upcoming Events
SERVICES
SUPPORT
SAVINGS
OSC/Home Depot ProXtra Webinar Wednesday, September 23, 2020 @ 11 am Enroll to be part of the OSC incentive program with Home Depot for access to everyday convenience and product selection; plus a rebate from OSC! Districts earned more than $17K in rebates this year! Learn more in an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, September 23. Take advantage of the OSC partnership with The Home Depot for your district’s MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) purchasing needs!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
OSC/SAP Concur Webinar Wednesday, September 30, 2020 @ 1 pm We are pleased to announce a new partnership with SAP Concur to help members improve their accounts payable process through automation. The benefits of this partnership include: • Increased visibility into spend • Reduce invoice processing time by 54% • Eliminate paper and manual tasks associated to vendor invoices With this partnership you will receive the following: • 15% Discount on all SAP Concur products • Best-in-class solution fully vetted by the OSC OSC and SAP Concur will host a ZOOM webinar on Wednesday, September 30, to highlight the product’s benefits and features. More details coming soon!
OSC Legal Hotline Seminar & Legal Update Wednesday, October 14, 2020 @ 8 am The Ohio Schools Council sponsors a Hotline Program that enables member school districts to pre-purchase legal services at a discounted rate on a yearly basis. As a benefit, member school districts are invited to attend a free legal seminar conducted by the attorneys of Peters Kalail & Markakis Co., L.P.A. This year’s seminar will take place on Wednesday, October 14 via ZOOM. Please be sure to save the date, and mark it on your calendar. More details coming soon!
www.osconline.org
www.gcssaohio.org
Do You know If You Are Truly SANITIZING Your School & Keeping Students & Staff Safe? Spray Bottle & Wipe Method Sanitizers: This type of cleaning ONLY REACHES 50% of the surfaces and while it cleans soil from the surface, it does not allow the chemical proper contact time to actually kill pathogens.
Preferred Partner
Techniques to Combat COVID-19 & Other Bacterium: Certified technicians will bring air scrubbers and systematically spray virus killing disinfectant. They will follow up sanitizing highly touched surfaces with anti-microbial wipes. A viricidal will then be applied on all surfaces to combat future pathogens introduced into the treated area. Eco-Friendly Technology Our EPA, hospital grade disinfectant is approved for killing Coronavirus’s all while being colorless, non-leaching, low odor, child and pet safe. Enjoy peace of mind as we protect your facilities with this all-natural product. Other Services Include:
Mold
Odor
Water Damage
Sewage
Fire Cleanup
CONTACT THE EXPERTS NOW 440-530-4881 ď ˇ ClevelandWaterandFire.com
going back to school? Assure the community you are prepared to provide a safe and healthy learning environment. How much more will it cost you to operate based on the requirements set by the Ohio Department of Health? For a 100,000 sq. ft. school, it could be Is there a better solution? YES!
AS MUCH AS $35,000!
call now! 937.974.1549
Learn how to avoid these costs and provide a healthy building.
bkenley@energyoptusa.com 632 E. First Street. Dayton, OH 45402
Preferred Partner
Preferred Partner AD_OSC_8.20
GRADYBENEFITS Consul琀ng and Brokerage Services Agency
Does OSC Life Plan include an EAP?
YES – OSC Members particiaping in the Life Program have the EAP – Employee Assistance Program included for all covered employees and their families. Take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program that includes Unlimited Telephonic Counseling Sessions and 3 Physical Visits per issue per year. During the current social and economic climate, EAP programs are being utilized more than ever. Free with the OSC Life Insurance Program, each participating district has access to a robust and comprehensive EAP Program.
Are you interested in Online Employee Enrollments & Benefit Administration?
Grady offers a complete online enrollment system customizable to each district. The platform is not tied to voluntary product offerings and you have complete control. Now is the time to preview the program for upcoming spring, summer and fall enrollments.
**Schedule an Online Web Demo today for your team**
This informational demo is a great way to connect with your staff while working remotely. We set up online meetings with Treasurer/Payroll/Ben Admin/Insurance Committees Contact a Grady Representative today:
Save@gradyenterprises.com or call 1-888-814-7239
GRADYBENEFITS
is a leading full service consulting agency in the Ohio Education Market
Preferred Partner
ACTION PLAN: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FALL? What would happen if someone in your staff or a student tested positive for COVID-19? Do you have the resources to disinfect your entire school overnight? We are available 24/7 to help reduce downtime due to infection and keep your staff, students, and families safe.
Preferred Partner
A response plan for an infectious outbreak will help protect your studets and staff, while also ensuring continuity of operations. If COVID-19 impacts your school, or you simply want to talk through the what-ifs, schedule a consultation today.
PROFESSIONAL DISINFECTION CALL 24/7: 440-918-1523 www.smdisasterrecon.com
Preferred Partner
Preferred Partner
One Integrated Source for ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING www.gpdgroup.com
Learn
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago’s South Side”
Thursday, September 17, 2020 9:30 am Presented by Dr. Eve Ewing, University of Chicago Location: ZOOM Meeting Cost: FREE
Socialize
Connect
GCSSA 2020-21
Cost: $25/person
CALENDAR of EVENTS: JULY-DEC AUGUST-DECEMBER JULY
“Back to School Safely: Communicating Effectively Amid a Pandemic”
OCT.
In Partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Tuesday, October 13, 2020; 9:30 am Presented by Caitlin Tucker, Google Certified Innovator, teacher, bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020; 10 am Presented by Thom Fladung of Hennes Communications Location: ZOOM Meeting Cost: FREE
AUG.
SEPT.
OSC ASSEMBLY MEETING
New Superintendent ZOOM Luncheon
Panelists include, Dr. David Glasner, Superintendent of Shaker Heights City Schools; Mrs. Habeebah Grimes, Superintendent/CEO of Positive Education Program and Mrs. Roxann Ramsey-Caserio Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools. Thursday, August 27, 2020; 10 am Location: ZOOM Meeting Sponsor: Peters Kalail & Markakis Co., L.P.A. Cost: FREE
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago’s South Side”
Thursday, September 17, 2020 9:30 am Presented by Dr. Eve Ewing, University of Chicago Location: ZOOM Meeting Cost: FREE In Partnership with Cleveland State’s Center for Educational Leadership. Session One: Thursday, September 17, 2020 Registration: 9 am; Program: 9:30-11 am Location: Union Club of Cleveland* (1211 Euclid Ave., Cleveland)
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Power up with Blended Learning”
11 am Please be sure to attend or submit your proxy! Location: ESC of Northeast Ohio Cost: FREE
DEC.
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Ridiculously Amazing Schools”
In Partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Tuesday, December 8, 2020; 9:30 am Presented by Jeff Waller, motivational speaker and thought leader on personal achievement and youth empowerment. Location: ESC of Northeast Ohio Sponsor: TBD Cost: FREE
GCSSA 2020-21
CALENDAR of EVENTS: JAN-JUNE JANUARY-JUNE JAN.
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Legal Update”
MAY
Tuesday, May 11, 2021; 9:30 am
OSC ASSEMBLY MEETING
Mr. David Smith of DK Smith Law LLC, and Mr. Michael Hanna of Squire Patton Boggs. Tuesday, January 12, 2021; ; 9:30 am Location: ESC of Northeast Ohio Cost: FREE
FEB.
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Developing a Leadership Mindset”
Tuesday, February 9, 2021; 9:30 am In Partnership with Cleveland State’s Center for Educational Leadership. Presented by Michael Fullan Global Leadership Director, New Pedagogies for Deep Learning and a worldwide authority on educational reform with a mandate of helping to achieve the moral purpose of all children learning Location: Union Club of Cleveland (1211 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Cost: $25/person
MAR.
GCSSA In-Service Session: “ODE Update”
Presented by John Richard, Ed.D., Ohio’s deputy state superintendent of public instruction. Thursday, March 11, 2021; 9:30 am Location: ESC of Northeast Ohio Cost: FREE
APR.
Annual Spring Social
Tuesday, April 27, 2021; 6 pm Location: Shoreby Club (40 Shoreby Drive, Bratenahl) Sponsors: RBC Capital Markets & PSI Cost: $35/person
GCSSA In-Service Session: TBA 11 am Please be sure to attend or submit your proxy!
JUNE
GCSSA In-Service Session: “Year-End Luncheon and Legislative Update” Tuesday, June 10, 2021 Presented by Dr. Dave Axner, Dr. Kirk Hamilton and Kevin Miller of BASA Registration/Social: 11-11:30 am Program/Luncheon: Noon-1:30 pm Location: Embassy Suites Independence (5800 Rockside Woods, Independence) Sponsor: Grady Enterprises, Inc. Cost: $35/person (current) $20/person (retired)
Registration required for all events at gcssaohio.org. Attendance at meetings count toward contact hours at Cleveland State University. (15 seat hours = 1 credit hour)
All Programs may be presented via ZOOM format depending upon CDC, State or Dept. of Health Guidelines