Recommended Slate of Candidates for the OASBO Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees FY27

1/8/2026

By Todd Puster

Our profession and communities faced major challenges this year, including rising property values and tax reform debates. OASBO members responded by working together to support districts in serving students and communities. This success is thanks to dedicated volunteer leaders who generously share their time and expertise. Now, it's time to select a new group of leaders to carry this work forward.

As Immediate Past President, I chair the OASBO Nominating Committee to select future leaders for the Board of Directors and Foundation Trustees. The committee carefully evaluated each highly qualified candidate’s skills, values, and experience to ensure the best selections. I thank President-Elect Kris Blind, Becky Jenkins, Mark Pepera, and Erik Roush for their time and dedication in vetting applicants.

This slate will be presented at the April 14 general session, voted on, and sworn in at the April 15 Business Meeting. Detailed candidate info will be sent digitally to members before the conference. For questions about the process, please contact me or any member of the Nominating Committee.
 
This year, OASBO leadership also reviewed the OASBO Constitution and Bylaws and proposed several updates. Professional members will be asked to approve the changes at the business meeting during the Second General Session of the Annual Conference. The proposed changes clarify and streamline membership definitions, establish an administrator membership category, and update dues language while retaining the existing professional member dues calculation. You can review the changes here. 

Todd is the immediate past president of OASBO. He recently retired from Orange City Schools after 10 years at the district and 33 years in the school business profession. He is now consulting with school districts throughout Ohio to offer his wealth of insight and expertise to Ohio’s school communities. He can be reached at todd.puster@escneo.org
 
Click here to review the 2025 Business Meeting Minutes that will have a vote for approval at the 2025 Business Meeting. 
 

OASBO Board of Directors Slate of Candidates

Vice President
Jennifer Bruns, Treasurer/CFO
St. Henry Consolidated Local Schools
Serving a one-year term ending June 30, 2027, then progressing through president-elect, president, and past president roles, each one year, ending June 30, 2030.

Vision: Serving on the OASBO Board of Directors as Northwest Regional Director for the last three years has been one of the greatest highlights of my career, not because of personal success, but because I get to be a part of something with a rippling effect throughout our state. Through collaboration with other board members and relationships formed across the state, I have had the opportunity to grow as a CFO, develop advocacy skills, and keep elevating OASBO's mission to empower other SBOs. I have experienced how we are all better and stronger together as an association, and I hope to continue to be a part of leading this mission for the next four years.



Northwest Region Director
Homer Hendricks
Treasurer/CFO, Four County Career Center
Serving a three-year term ending June 30, 2029


Vision: I envision OASBO as the leading organization for school business professionals in Ohio, fostering a
strong sense of community among members. I aim to increase engagement by promoting the diverse
benefits of membership, ensuring they evolve with the changing landscape of school business. I will
encourage members to leverage their skills in professional development, mentoring, advocacy, and
networking, ultimately enhancing the support OASBO provides to its constituents.



Southwest Region Director
John Espy, Treasurer/CFO
Loveland City Schools 
Serving a three-year term ending June 30, 2029


Vision:  I truly believe in the importance of networking and development opportunities that OASBO provides its members. I have enjoyed meeting contacts, learning from one another, and the general openness of the OASBO organization. I want to continue to find ways to develop OASBO to continue to be on the cutting edge of processes, development opportunities, and delivery models to ensure we are engaging ALL school business officials in the State of Ohio. I believe in strong leadership, and Katie and the OASBO crew demonstrate this every day. I was particularly moved by the constant support that OASBO provided during this last budget cycle. We are stronger together, and I appreciate OASBO's approach to continuing to provide growth-focused opportunities.

 

OASBO Foundation Board of Trustees Slate

Northwest Region Trustee
Randy Drewyor
Treasurer/CFO, Perrysburg Local Schools 
Serving a two-year term ending June 30, 2028


Vision: Historically, OASBO has excelled in advocating for K-12 education and advancing our profession. It has set a benchmark for the development and delivery of professional development. However, the current political climate presents unprecedented challenges to our profession. OASBO must confront these challenges directly through enhanced professional development, with particular emphasis on leadership and advocacy. The scope of the role of "Treasurer" must be broadened so that every individual in this position functions not just in title but in practice as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). OASBO must serve as the driving force for these essential changes.



Southeast Region Trustee
Melcie Wells, Treasurer
Warren Local Schools
Serving a two-year term ending June 30, 2028


Vision: Looking ahead, my vision for OASBO focuses on advancing the profession through strong mentorship, high-quality professional development, and a continued commitment to sound fiscal practices. I am passionate about guiding emerging leaders in school finance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that school business officials are equipped to navigate the complex and evolving challenges facing Ohio’s districts. My goal is to help OASBO remain a leading voice for ethical stewardship, financial excellence, and student-focused decision-making for years to come. I see serving on the Foundation Board as a great vehicle to foster these goals and would be honored to serve the Board, OASBO and my school business community.



At-Large Professional​
Matthew Ketcham
Treasurer/CFO, Madison-Champaign ESC
Serving a two-year term ending June 30, 2028


Vision: I believe (and have always maintained) that OASBO is the premier organization in the state of Ohio as it pertains to fiscal matters in our primary and secondary schools. As such, it has always been my goal for the organization to be the "go-to" association for questions and concerns pertaining to such matters. As our organization changes through the years, we need to cultivate our members to advance this agenda.


At-Large Service Affiliate
Tom Strup, Executive Director
SORSA
Serving a three-year term ending June 30, 2029

Vision: I believe that my work experience and former elected positions would allow me to contribute to the vision of OASBO. I have a deep respect for everyone who is in the education field no matter what position they may hold.