The OESPA Board of Directors discussed proposed by-laws changes at the group's winter meeting, held Friday in Salem.

The proposed changes are intended to streamline the organization's leadership structure to improve board effectiveness, enhance member involvement and upgrade communication with members.  Among other modifications, the proposed by-laws would reduce the size of the Board from 26 members to 14, and reduce the number of OESPA regions from seven to six.  The by-laws will be discussed again at the Board's April meeting, at which time they may be referred to members for their approval.

In other news from the OESPA Board meeting:

• The Board discussed the full-day kindergarten bill that will be considered during the supplemental Legislative session in February.  The bill, which would assure districts of their ability to charge tuition for the second-half-day of kindergarten, is needed in light of an attorney general's opinion that the practice may not be allowable.  Currently, some 2,500 students are served by such programs.
  
  
• The Board learned that it's candidates during the upcoming COSA/OESPA election will include Springfield's Mike Donnelly (COSA President-Elect), South Umpqua's Tim Larkin (OESPA President-Elect) and Gresham-Barlow's Carlynn Capps (NAESP Representative).
  
  
• COSA staff member Nancy Moen reported that nomination packets for potential National Distinguished Principals must be submitted by March 21.  For more information, contact Nancy.

The Board's next meeting is set for April 17 at COSA.