FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a collection of frequently asked questions concerning Legal Issues, OAESA Membership, and Conferences and Events. Click the question to expand its answer.
Legal Assistance for Professional Members
How do I request on-site advocacy to resolve a contract or other dispute?
Our Associate Executive Director, Mark Jones, is available to help! Contact him directly at 614-563-6418 or via e-mail at mjones@oaesa.org.
What is the procedure for accessing the Legal Defense Fund?
The first step is to contact the OAESA office as soon as you perceive you have an issue that needs to be handled. Our Associate Executive Director, Mark Jones, and legal counsel will be able to advise you on whether your issue qualifies for access to the Legal Defense Fund or how OAESA might be able to help you.
How may I obtain an answer to a legal question?
Simply call Mark Jones, OAESA's Associate Executive Director at 614-563-6418. If he is unable to provide you with an answer, he will contact the OAESA staff attorney for you.
How does OAESA represent me during contract disputes?
Associate Executive Director Mark Jones will discuss your issue with you directly. Together, you will be able to determine if his presence is needed during your hearing. You may contact Mark directly at 614-563-6418 or via e-mail at mjones@oaesa.org.
Membership
When does my membership start and how long does it run?
Membership starts the day we receive and process it and runs for 12 months.
Can an OAESA membership be transfered to a new admin in a district or refunded?
No, OAESA memberships are not transferable or refundable.
Can I be an associate member if I am a principal?
If you hold an administrator contract position, you may be an associate member if you are a professional member of one of our sister organizations, i.e., BASA, OASBO, or OASSA. Otherwise, we recommend that you be a professional member of OAESA for the legal protection.
Can I join as a retired member?
Yes, however, you will not have any of the following member benefits as a retired member: advocacy, access to the legal defense fund or staff attorney, tailor-made salary studies, right to hold office, Distinguished Principal recognition or Hall of Fame School recognition.
What if I am retired but get rehired?
Please notify OAESA so we can update our records. If you choose to become a Professional member again, we can invoice you for any difference paid for your current membership.
I already belong to OASSA or BASA; do I need to belong to OAESA also?
To have access to OAESA member benefits, you must be a member; but as a member of BASA, OASBO, or OASSA, you may join us as an associate member. However, keep in mind that Associate Members do not have access to advocacy, legal defense fund, or the staff attorney, nor can they vote, hold office, or receive the Distinguished Principal or Hall of Fame School recognition.
I thought my school district renewed my membership automatically for me. Why didn't they?
OAESA membership is your personal membership. We send the invoice notice to your preferred address when it is time to renew your membership. You will need to send to your treasurer for payment. Most districts will not send purchase orders or payments without receiving instructions from you. If you believe your membership was renewed but you did not receive a new membership card, please contact us at membership@oaesa.org.
Why would it be a problem if my membership lapsed?
As a professional OAESA member, you qualify for access to the OAESA Legal Defense Fund. One of the requirements for accessing that fund is that your membership was in force at the time of the incident, as well as when you call to ask a question or seek legal assistance.
Are dues to OAESA tax deductible as a charitable contribution?
No, dues paid to OAESA may not be deducted as charitable contributions.
Does OAESA have payment options?
OAESA has several options for paying dues. In addition to a one-time payment, individuals may charge their membership on Visa, Mastercard, Discover; American Express or pay their dues over several months through an extended payment plan. Many school districts allow members to pay their dues through payroll deduction.
Conferences and Events
My district will not pay a registration fee until after I attend the conference. What should I do?
Ask your treasurer if you may carry the check with you to the conference or payment can be sent to our office after you attend as long as a PO was provided for payment.
Isn't a purchase order considered payment for a registration fee?
Purchase orders are NOT considered payment; they are a promise to pay.
What is your cancellation policy for registration to an event?
You may cancel your registration for a full refund no later than three business days prior to the scheduled start of the event. Cancellations received less than three business days prior to the event will receive a refund less the food costs associated with the event. No refunds will be given for "no shows" or cancellations received on or after the first day of the event. To cancel your registration please email confirmations@oaesa.org or call our office at 614-547-8087.