Sponsor Spotlights
Periodically, our sponsors submit articles containing pertinent information regarding important matters within the Ohio community and their relation to education technology.
OACTS features these posts as Sponsor Spotlights and appreciates their contributions to spreading awareness across the state.
The Power of Decision Making in Education
June 2, 2025
In the world of education, effective decision-making is crucial for fostering positive outcomes and inspiring growth. As superintendents, we often face challenges that require collaboration and insight from our leadership teams. The decisions we make not only shape the direction of our institutions but also influence the educational experiences of countless students. Engaging with a strong leadership team can significantly enhance our ability to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions.
When we prioritize collaboration within our leadership teams, we create an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving. Each member of the team brings unique experiences and insights, which can lead to more comprehensive solutions to complex challenges.
Read more about harnessing the collective wisdom of your team.
The Power of Collaboration: A Case Study
April 30, 2025
From concept to completion, the power of collaboration defines the success of architectural projects. When architects, designers, builders and clients work together towards a clearly articulated shared vision, the result is a space that resonates with purpose and enduring value.
Read more about SHP's case study at Southern Hills Career and Technical Center.
Sponsor Spotlight: How CTE Supports College and Career Readiness
By Megan Bottkol
Surgical Technology Instructor
Diamond Oaks Career Campus
March 4, 2025
For students to be truly prepared for their futures, they need academic knowledge, technical expertise, and workforce skills that translate directly into the workplace. As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor, I see firsthand how career-focused education provides students with the tools to transition smoothly from high school to college and careers.
Sponsor Spotlight: Energy Optimizers offers tips for protecting school resources against rising utility rates
Jan. 30, 2025
As utility rates continue to rise, school administrators face increasing pressure to manage costs while maintaining a comfortable, effective learning environment. Protecting school resources requires proactive strategies that combine energy efficiency, resource optimization, and sustainability measures.
Sponsor Spotlight: SHP releases Executive Brief on the Power and Promise of Career Tech
April 2, 2024
OACTS platinum sponsor SHP recent released an exhaustive white paper on the importance of career technical education and "education on demand."
SHP has completed nearly $400 million in work-integrated learning projects at high schools, community colleges, workforce development centers and stand-alone career centers.
Check out the SHP executive brief here.
Sponsor Spotlight: Crafting a Path to Success: Financial Planning for Ohio's Career Tech Centers
Jan. 3, 2024
In the face of escalating demand and limited resources, we hear career tech administrators across Ohio grappling with a persistent challenge: "We don't have enough room in our programs."
This refrain has echoed from many of you for several years, manifesting in waiting lists for eager students, private partners clamoring for skilled graduates, and classrooms needing updated equipment while bursting at the seams.
The surge in demand for career tech education in Ohio reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing the value of practical, hands-on skills. Like a bustling restaurant that gains popularity for its unique and delectable dishes, the word has spread and now there's a line out the door with patrons eagerly waiting for a seat at the tables.
Similarly, as demand for career tech centers has evolved, the patrons and partners are seeking more. Putting together a sustainable financial plan to adequately meet the growing demand while also staying up to date with modern advancement in programming is no small task. The required finances for physical space, modernized equipment, and maintaining it all can hinder the ability of career tech centers to accommodate all aspiring learners. It's similar to the restaurant's management trying to find ways to expand the dining area to accommodate the increasing number of patrons without compromising the quality of service or the creativity of the chef.
The need for added facility space and improved equipment without taking resources away from the operation means Career Tech Centers have to have a financial game plan.
FIRST, COLLABORATIVELY IDENTIFY GENUINE CAPITAL ASSET NEEDS
The first crucial step in achieving financial viability amidst growth is the collaborative
identification and understanding of genuine capital asset needs. This entails a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities, equipment, and technological requirements. By documenting the current state and anticipating future needs, career tech centers can make informed decisions. This allows administration to address immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable expansion. The process of identifying genuine capital asset needs ensures that the allocated resources align with the institution's evolving objectives.
SECOND, ESTABLISH CLEAR TARGETS FOR GROWTH
In order to effectively navigate the surge in demand, clear targets for growth need to be established. Whether it is by expanding programs, increasing student enrollment, or modernizing facilities, setting realistic and measurable goals provides a roadmap for strategic decision-making. Clear targets not only guide resource allocation but also aid in securing funding and in ensuring that growth efforts align with the institution's overarching mission.
Clear targets for growth empower administrators to prioritize initiatives that contribute to the long-term success of the school.
FINALLY, ALIGN FINANCES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Aligning finances to meet and sustain growth targets is the third critical component for financial viability. Taking a collaborative approach involves strategic financial planning that goes beyond immediate investments. Whether seeking assistance from external sources like the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) for a new campus or optimizing existing budgets for programmatic growth, a strategic alignment of finances is imperative.
An effective long term finance plan aligned to the targets, is essential to not only address immediate needs but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of career tech centers in Ohio. While it is all easier said than done, the good news is schools don’t have to do this on their own.
Perhaps by trade I have a bias, but decades as a school treasurer and now as a financial advisor have taught me that sustainable financial planning for schools is best done by engaging a large network to form a plan. Listening, collaborating, and planning with all of the stakeholders at the table builds a financial plan that gets the right things done at the right time. And it offers a sustainable kind of flexibility that keeps the organization moving even as changes occur. Do not go it alone.
Bring in your team, your community, and the experts that can build a financial plan to help meet your needs, whatever they may be.
CAREER TECH CENTERS IN OHIO MAY PROACTIVELY ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES OF ESCALATING DEMAND BY CRAFTING A COLLABORATIVE GAME PLAN FOR SUCCESS.
By collaboratively identifying genuine capital asset needs, establishing clear growth targets, and aligning finances strategically, our career tech centers can confidently meet their growing demands, providing quality education to aspiring learners and fulfilling the expectations of both students and industry partners.
About the author:
Daniel Schall is a licensed school treasurer and registered municipal advisor who specializes in capital planning for Bradley Payne Advisors LLC. Dan has 24 years as a practitioner in public finance and can be reached at ds@bpayneadvisors.com or 937.524.4217. Bradley Payne is proud to be a sponsor and partner with OACTS.
Sponsor Spotlight: Energy Optimizers USA
Oct. 31, 2023
As a career tech superintendent, you know how important it is to maintain your facilities and equipment while also being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. One effective way to achieve both goals is by pursuing energy efficiency upgrades for your buildings and systems. Not only can this save substantial amounts of money over time, but it also aligns with preparing students for careers focused on sustainability.
Energy Optimizers, USA is currently helping Belmont-Harrison Career Center improve its facilities and maximize energy savings. The two-phase project includes interior and exterior LED lighting retrofits, ductwork upgrades, and ceiling tile and grid replacement throughout the campus. The entire campus will also have a new digital display and clock system installed.
The energy-efficient LED flat panel lighting, which closely mimics natural sunlight, will provide improved safety and security and an enhanced learning environment. Classrooms will have dimmable lighting, and new high bays will be installed in all shop areas.
The project was procured through a lease-purchase method, allowing the district to finance the upgrades over time using the money saved on utility bills. After the initial investment, the energy savings are permanent and substantial, estimated to be over $29,000 annually.
Energy Optimizers, USA manages the entire process from audit to completion. Our energy engineers have identified optimal solutions, engineered the project, are managing implementation, and will ensure that savings goals are met. Work has been coordinated to minimize disruption to the educational process. While there is always a hiccup or two along the way in a project of this size, we will work with the district to ensure satisfaction. Completion is scheduled for August 2024.
As a company we seek to involve career tech students in the process and projects like this give students real-world exposure to growing career fields like sustainability, HVAC, electrical, and construction. And the financial and environmental benefits demonstrate wise stewardship of taxpayer funds.
Energy Optimizers, USA has worked with several Ohio career-tech centers on similar projects, including Mid-East, Springfield-Clark CTC, Washington County Career Center, and others. If your facilities have not yet been evaluated please call this number (937-974-1549) to schedule your free assessment. Whether comprehensive or incremental, energy upgrades align with your mission of developing skilled professionals while optimizing budgets.
—Belinda Kenley, Vice President